10 self-care lessons we learned from video games

Take control and practice self-care the way Peter Parker, Arthur Morgan, or Ellie would.
 By 
Shannon Connellan
 on 
10 self-care lessons we learned from video games
Watch Next

Taking time to restore our mental, emotional, and physical health often feels like it gets in the way of our own main quest, but really, self-care helps us get through it all in one piece.

Recommended deals for you

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $179.00 (List Price $249.00)

Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones — $198.00 (List Price $399.99)

Ring Indoor Cam Plus 2K Wired Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $59.98 (List Price $119.98)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB Wi-Fi Retina Tablet (Blue, 2025 Release) — $399.99 (List Price $449.00)

Ring 2nd Gen 2K Wired Video Doorbell With Chime (2026 Release) — $49.99 (List Price $114.98)

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $37.99 (List Price $69.99)

Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $349.99 (List Price $399.00)

Blink Outdoor 4 1080p 3-Camera Kit With Sync Module Core + Doorbell   — $65.99 (List Price $259.98)

Products available for purchase through affiliate links. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission.

Open-world and role-playing games surprisingly allow you to really understand the true value of self-care, and how to take stock of your own development and recentre yourself through the onslaught of daily tasks, whether you’re battling monsters, stealthing past the undead, or just trying to survive in a brutal world.

Topics Gaming Self-Care

A photo portrait of a journalist with blonde hair and a band t-shirt.
Shannon Connellan
Senior Editor

Shannon Connellan is Mashable's Senior Editor, General Assignments, based in London. She has been Mashable's UK Editor (and still manages the illustrious UK team) and Australia Editor, but emotionally, she lives searching for Exit 8. A Tomatometer-approved critic, Shannon writes about entertainment, tech, social good, science, culture, and Australian horror, and loves to nerd out with movie stars, filmmakers, and TV creators.


Latest Videos




Jon Stewart has an aggressive 5-minute argument with Meta's Muse during AI deep dive
A man in a suit points his finger at the camera. A small white creature is visible on his desk.

Meet the first ever humanoid robot surgeon
humanoid robot surgeon

Apple’s health age test doesn’t hold back (oof)
Apple Health Age test

Apple’s 2026 Mac desktop lineup tested: We break down all four options
Apple 2026 Mac desktop lineup

'SNL UK' features glorious 'Stath Lets Flats' reunion
Two men and a woman sit behind a news desk.


Pete Hegseth performs slam poetry in 'SNL's Republican midterm ad cold open
Colin Jost in "Saturday Night Live."