For a week in May, the Mental Health Foundation hosts Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK. The theme for 2022 was loneliness, something many people struggle with after the tumultuous start to the decade.
Here at Overclockers UK, we are big believers in the benefits gaming has on our mental health. From being part of a community to capturing that all-important me time, our mental health is just as important as our physical wellbeing. In honour of MHA week, we are taking a look at how gaming is great for the soul, our top titles to play, and how your gaming hardware can help.
Mental Health Foundation
The Mental Health Foundation started MHA week twenty-one years ago and have held it annually since. Each year they pick a theme, with previous years covering topics like body image, kindness, and nature’s effect on mental health. Loneliness was chosen for 2022 due to the large impact it has had on people’s physical and mental well-being over the last few years. Their website is chock-full of helpful advice, events, and resources for everyone to access. We’ll be making a list of these and other charities you can reach out to at the end of the article.
Mental Health Awareness Weeks
Mental Health Awareness Week happens every year. Because it is so important, we’ll keep talking about it! With the theme changing every time, there may be one that vibes with you.
2023
2024 – Coming Soon!
Mental Health and Gaming
We all love our gaming here. It’s fun, great for staying connected with friends, and an enjoyable way to spend your free time. There’s more to it than that, as well. Gaming can give you a space to process and recharge after a hard day’s grind – be that school, work, or any other mentally draining task. Everyone deserves me-time, whatever form it may take. Gaming provides a platform to engage with compelling stories, unwind to great soundtracks, and lose yourself in a different world.
On point with the loneliness theme, gaming is a great way to find trusted communities of like-minded people. Many games have discord servers and online forums for fans to gather, group for a session, and chat about their favourite facets of the game. Whether fan-made, official, or in-game, you have a place to connect with friends – new and old. Discussing difficult topics, such as struggling with mental health, can be easier over a private chat window than face-to-face, too.
We have a feature article going into detail about how multiplayer gaming is a great way to make life long friends.
Gaming spaces should be safe spaces. Naturally, this isn’t always the case, as we can never predict how others are feeling or acting on any given day. Especially when dealing with randoms on the internet. What is in your power, however, is to assess whether you’re in a good enough headspace or have the mental fortitude for such things. It’s ok if you’re not. There are always other activities and ways to spend your time.
Your number one priority needs to be looking after yourself first. Gaming can be a fantastic way to do this, but it’s also important to know when to stop and focus your energies elsewhere.
Chill Gaming
Now, we all love going into Hulk, smash! mode when something has upset us. Whether you destroy everything in a Lego game or are the designated tank on your favourite MMORPG, we can all agree it makes us feel better. However, sometimes you need a chill game to help you relax and unwind. We asked around the Overclockers UK office and got a selection of everyone’s favourite chill games.
Super Chill Soundtracks
First up, we have a selection of games that have chill soundtracks and interesting themes.
Coffee Talk
Coffee Talk by Toge Productions is a talking simulator set within a coffee shop. You take on the role of barista and listen to your patron’s stories whilst serving them a warm beverage to soothe the soul. A delightful touch of fantasy, not all your patrons are entirely human. Set to a jazzy, lo-fi score, the branching storylines are determined not by how you respond to dialogue, but rather how you serve your coffee. Balance warmth and coolness, bitter or sweet flavours, and feel yourself getting lost in this alternative-Seattle, 90’s world.
Kind Words
Following a similar theme of connection and lo-fi beats, Kind Words from Popcannibal is a game where you write nice letters to real people. From your cosy, in-game room, you can listen to chill music, trade stickers, and respond to letter requests from other players. When a bad day has got you down, you can anonymously put your concerns on pixelated paper and wait for the affirming replies. Recentre yourself and put the good vibes back out there.
Road 96
It may have passed us by at the time, but Road 96 from Digixart has become a firm favourite. Set in 1996, this game takes you on a road trip to remember. Adventure and freedom await. The complex web of ever-evolving stories drives the world, with your choices and reactions shaping events down the line. Pairing with this visually stunning game is a soundtrack chock full of 90’s hits, to fully immerse you into this Tarantino-inspired world. With so many roads to take, this game will be unique with every play through.
Inmost
Finally, we have Inmost from Hidden Layer Games. This dark platformer explores themes of loss and hope, which may not be suitable for the more fragile headspaces. When you’re ready for introspection, this game has three playable characters with unique gameplay styles and settings, each trying to uncover the evil that lurks. Only a short game, it should take three to five hours to complete, perfect for when you’re in need of an emotional purge. The epic soundtrack both elevates and encapsulates the heavy themes. Plus, this game is compatible with Corsair’s iCUE RGB dynamic lighting, so your whole set-up can emulate this mysterious world.
These games and soundtracks are available on Steam. Or listen to them on Spotify! Share your chill gaming playlists with us in the comments below. Don’t forget, we have our own gaming-inspired playlist – an eclectic mix of all our faves.
Zen Gameplay
Sometimes the mood calls for zen gameplay, something to let your mind relax. Our next collection does just that.
Stardew Valley
This might be my bias talking, but farming sims are perfect for relaxing thanks to their lack of imminent threat and repetitive gameplay. Stardew Valley from ConcernedApe is an excellent example of this and could have quite easily been in the previous collection thanks to its delightful soundtrack. You are tasked with reviving and renovating your grandfather’s old farm, whilst immersing yourself in Pelican Town’s community. Plant crops, raise animals, befriend locals, explore the local wildlife, and restore the town’s once vibrant community centre. Ah, zen. Plus, with its online co-op mode, you can chill with friends.
Unpacking
Of course, we can’t talk zen gameplay without mentioning Unpacking from Witch Beam. Winner of Best LGBTQ Indie Game at the Gayming Awards, this game offers a satisfying blend of block-fitting puzzles and home décor. You are tasked with unpacking homes; arranging rooms and belongings in an organised manner, whilst getting a sense of a character you never see. Everything has its place, and you are afforded the freedom to explore these domestic spaces. There are no timers, no scores to achieve, or meters to fill. No pressure. We can see why this game has captured the imagination!
PowerWash Simulator
Pressure washing has to be one of the most satisfying things to watch. Now you can play and experience the satisfaction for yourself with PowerWash Simulator from FuturLab. Play alone or with friends to clean up grubby walls, cars, patios, or even garden gnomes. Just listen to the soothing sounds of high-pressure water and lose yourself in the task at hand. Who knew cleaning could be such fun? After a dedicated early access phase, this game has been fully released and is still dropping new content, including Spongebob SquarePants and Warhammer 40K special packs!
PC Builder Simulator
For the hardware enthusiasts out there, there is nothing more relaxing than building up a sweet gaming PC. Well, perhaps building them in an environment where cost is not an issue and there is no risk of electrocution. This is where PC Building Simulator by Claudiu Kiss, The Irregular Corporation comes in. From motherboard to RAM to case mods, you can build your dream machine as well as explore varied gameplay in the DLC content. There’s even an Overclockers UK Workshop DLC, complete with gummy bears.
All of these games are available on Steam, with the Stardew Valley and Unpacking soundtracks available for purchase too.
Let Your Creativity Flow
Another great way to unwind is to get creative. These next games will spark inspiration!
Minecraft
When played in Creative Mode, amazing things can be achieved in Minecraft. From Monjang Studios, Minecraft is still going strong since its release over a decade ago. In creative mode, you have unlimited resources and are not plagued by in-game physics. You are free to create anything. Build worlds to play in with friends, construct a monument, or re-create your favourite fantasy setting. If you’re reeling for a place to start, YouTube is full of videos showcasing incredible build ideas. Personally, I cannot get enough of the Howl’s Moving Castle builds.
Planet Zoo
An evolution on the park building simulators of the early 2000s, Planet Zoo from Frontier Developments is a photo-realistic world where you can create and design your own zoo. From how the habitats look to what animals you want; this incredibly detailed game offers hours of play. Dominate in career mode or get completely creative with your own zoo. However you play, managing your park involves more than just building. Caring for the animals, educating your guests, and developing conservation programmes are all par for the course. Plus, you can connect with the Steam Workshop to show off the amazing habitats – or even complete zoos – you create.
The Sims
The Sims from Maxis has been providing us with endless hours of entertainment for over twenty years now. Whether you like the latest instalment or are a fan of the original, there is something delightfully calming about building your dream home. Experiment with tiny builds or go whole hog and make a super deluxe mansion, the lot is your oyster. Plus, with extensive expansions, item packs, and community mods, there is a near-endless supply of inspiration to draw from. Once you’ve had your fun building, then you can play through your Sim’s life and find great enjoyment in derailing it completely – muahahaha. Wait, just me?
The Sims 4 and Planet Zoo are available on Steam, while Minecraft is available through Xbox and PC Game Pass.
Get in the Zone
Getting your gaming environment set up just so is key for making yourself a space that’s all your own. A sanctuary for when the feels get too much. There is no one-right-way to achieve this, but here at Overclockers UK, we have some tips and tricks to help you along the way.
Noise Blocking Headsets
First up, noise-blocking headsets. They reduce outside noise, allowing you to better immerse yourself in your game. EPOS is known for their premium-quality headsets, with incredible fidelity and exceptional realism. The GSP 600 is a professional, noise-blocking headset that feature lift-to-mute functionality on the mike boom arm. Perfect for when you need time to yourself. Plus, it comes in a stylish white aesthetic.
EPOS GSP 601 Headset
- Closed acoustic gaming headset
- Lift-to-mute boom arm
- Noise blocking technology
- Large comfortable earpads
- 3.5mm jack for extensive compatibility
Mood Lighting
No, not that mood lighting. We mean setting up your gaming environment with a rich, RGB glow. There are plenty of ways to go about this, including equipping yourself with illuminated peripherals. Today, we’re looking at dedicated lights for your desk and PC case. The Corsair LT 100 Smart Lighting Tower Starter Kit is an easy yet stylish way to make your set-up glow. Plus, there is an attachment to make one tower a headset stand. Perhaps for your new noise-blocking pair?
Corsair LT100 Smart Lighting Tower Starter Kit
- Smart lighting towers
- 46 customisable LEDs per tower
- Includes headset stand
- Customisable through Corsair’s iCUE software
- 11 pre-set effects out of the box
Alternatively, you can look to deck your gaming PC out with a whole range of RGB accessories. From magnetic LED strips to ARGB extension cables, we have a wide and extensive range of lighting accessories to brighten up your case. Plus, with external controllers, you don’t even need to fiddle about with dedicated software. With the simple click of a button, you can have an instant mood-lifting glow.
Case Lighting
- RGB case lighting from brands such as Kolink, Lian Li, and Phanteks
- Multiple attachment methods available, such as adhesive or magnetic
- ARGB and DRGB lighting available
- Level up with RGB extension cables
- External controllers available
All About that Ambience
Perhaps you’re all about filling a room with sound. Completely immerse yourself into your favourite soundscapes for that serotonin boost. Then a premium quality speaker system is the way forward. Depending on your space, desk set-up, and general preferences, we have a wide range of speakers. Bluetooth or wired? 2.0 versus 2.1 surround. Do you want RGB lighting? There is something for you.
Sound and Speaker Systems
- Speaker systems from popular brands such as Edifier, Razer, and Logitech
- 2.0 and 2.1 surround sound available
- RGB lighting on select models
- Wireless options to choose
- Sleek designs to suit any aesthetic
Make Sure You Reach Out!
The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone. If you are struggling with your mental health, there is always someone to reach out to. Whether that’s a trusted friend or you prefer the anonymity of a mental health organisation; reach. out.
Here is a list of charities you can contact:
If you’re looking for helpful resources, then check out these links:
If anyone knows any other good resources or organisations, drop a link in the comments below and we can update these lists. For now, we’ll leave you with Linus Tech Tips’ attempt at ASMR PC building. All about those chill vibes.
- 13 min read
Emily Haylock
Author
Emily is a board and cosy gamer, keyboard obsessive, and content copywriter for Overclockers UK. She has been with Overclockers UK for two years, writing about everything from noblechairs to 8Pack PCs. She writes from within her desk nest with a foster pup at her feet. (What, a desk duvet is a totally normal thing!) In her downtime, she likes to play board games, farming sims, and old-school Final Fantasy. IX to be specific. It is the best, and that is a hill she will die on.
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