I’ve discovered a new form of relaxation, using a digital form of procrastination that I like to call digital mindfulness.
To indulge in this past-time you have to have reached a god-like mode in an open-world video game. Something that can be played offline where you have completed the game, or campaign, and unlocked everything. By everything I mean one hundred percent completion of absolutely everything and every easter egg found and all weaponry and power-ups unlocked. Your character is essentially pretty indestructible.
Once in this state whenever you are bored you can just boot your game and just go explore the digital world aimlessly, maybe collecting more stuff, killing stuff, exploring looking for possible easter eggs that no one has found yet, or at least reported online.
There are several such go-to games in my collection depending on my mood.
For something mild where children are around I like to dip into Lego City Undercover. I enable a few mods such as turbo on all vehicles so I can get around faster. It’s a pleasant PG way to pass some time.
For something more adult there’s Days Gone. Get on your customised motorbike and head out into the post apocalyptic wasteland hunting freakers and looking for easter eggs. There are a few. Have you found the naughty photograph or bottles of whiskey?
My current favourite is Horizon Zero Dawn. I have the sequel to play but somehow I just like dipping back into the game with my shimmering armour exploring the various landmass areas hunting machines and crafting. Hours can easily pass before you notice.
They say everyone should practise mindfulness as a form of meditation and a way to relax. I’d like to add digital mindfulness to that recommendation. Go try it.