Things I'm Loving
I'm trying to focus on the positive things in my life lately, so here are a few things I've been really into that have been helping to boost my mental health.
Spirit City: Lofi Sessions
You can purchase this on Steam, but it's not really a game in the traditional sense. It's more of an application that you can keep running in the background to help with tasks and productivity. The longer you keep it running and the more tasks you complete, the more you're able to decorate your virtual space, and you can also discover little "spirit pets" that keep your avatar company while they work or relax.
I've found that gamifying my productivity helps me get things accomplished much easier. It's so nice to run this game while I'm writing or journaling or even working out. I love the little virtual space I've created. It's cozy, Halloween-y, and just makes me happy to look at. The lofi music is really nice as well, and you can access YouTube Music through the game, so I can listen to my own personal playlists. It also has a built-in journaling feature if you want to type within the game itself. It's adorable, calming, helpful, and well worth the price.
Kathy Rain 2: Soothsayer Soundtrack
I played this game recently and fell in love with everything about it, including its soundtrack. It's one of those rare instances when the sequel surpasses the original in every way. Not that I didn't enjoy the original, but Kathy Rain 2 will go down as one of my favorite games of all time, not just in the adventure genre.
I've been listening to the soundtrack to try to stay in that world longer. I finished the game in only two days, and I miss it. Listening to a game's soundtrack is the best way I've found to keep the atmosphere of it in my mind, and it helps that this soundtrack by Daniel Kobylarz is incredible.
If you're interested in playing Kathy Rain 2, you can pick it up on Steam. it follows the titular private investigator as she unravels the mystery of a serial killer known as the Soothsayer in the fictional American city of Kassidy. It has supernatural horror elements, a fun '90s setting, and fantastic writing and character development. It does require you to have knowledge of the first game, which takes place in a small town called Conwell Springs during Kathy's college years. I recommend it as well, but keep in mind that the sequel is better!
Journaling
I've been writing in a notebook lately, either following prompts that I find or just freely writing, and it's been cathartic. I use the aforementioned Spirit City for my journaling sessions, and it's just a really relaxed time where I can release some stress and get my thoughts organized. I've come to cherish my journaling time every day. I always make a list at the end of each entry, because I love lists! I get a lot of my list ideas from Study with Ara on Instagram, which is another thing I'm loving right now. I don't have to study as I'm not in school, but I find her productivity tips really helpful for work and other tasks, and I love her monthly wallpapers.
Iced Matcha Lattes
I've been getting into matcha! I started by getting matcha lattes at Scooter's Coffee, but lately I've been making them at home. I bought my own matcha, and I mix it with almond milk, water, and ice. It's super tasty and so refreshing on these scorching hot summer days.
This Workout on YouTube
It's easiest for me to work out at home, and I've been doing lots of workouts by Grow with Jo on YouTube. She has a plethora of workouts that focus on full-body or different muscle groups, are intense or low-impact, and basically work for every situation you can imagine. This one is my absolute favorite. It focuses on arms first, then core, and finally legs. It's just the right amount of intensity for me, I don't need any weights or equipment for it, and it's honestly fun! I'm not a fan of working out, but there's something about Grow with Jo workouts that I really enjoy. Maybe it's her infectious enthusiasm or the fact that the moves are fun, or maybe a combination of both. I'm sprinkling in other workouts of hers throughout the week, but this one is my mainstay.
What are some things you've been loving lately? Feel free to share in the guestbook!