Why I Started PeaPodGirlGaming: Cozy Games, Mental Health & Community
Over the past few years, this blog has grown into something I didn’t fully expect when I started it, a space where I talk about games not just as entertainment, but as comfort, support, and small moments of calm when life feels overwhelming.
PeaPodGirlGaming began as a simple place to share the cozy, story driven, and often overlooked games I loved playing. But over time, it became something more personal: a reflection of how I use games to unwind, regulate stress, and reconnect with myself during difficult moments.
This is the starting point for my Mental Health & Cozy Gaming Collection, a curated space where you can find games based on how you’re feeling, whether you need calm, comfort, distraction, or gentle company.
If you’re looking for something specific, you can jump straight into themed collections here:
🌿 Feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated → cozy games for calm
🫶 Feeling lonely or disconnected → gentle companionship games
🌧 Feeling anxious or low → soothing, grounding games
💤 Feeling burnt out → low-energy, no-pressure games
🌙 Can’t sleep or can’t switch off → wind-down cozy games
Related: Looking for Nintendo Switch 2 News?
Check out my Ultimate Guide to the Nintendo Switch 2
Game Image: Toem: A Photo Adventure, Developer: Something We Made
A Bit About Me and My Gaming Journey
I’ve been into games for as long as I can remember. I grew up playing Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon on the PlayStation One, and later spent hours unwinding after school with Harvest Moon: Magical Melody on the Wii. On my DS, I’d get properly lost in The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, or pass the time with Brain Training and Cooking Mama.
Then came my 20s, and I played less. It didn’t really feel like something I “should” be doing anymore, it didn’t feel very adult. I didn’t know many other people who gamed, and a lot of the games out at the time didn’t feel like they were made for me. I missed it, but it slowly faded into the background.
That changed when I met people who genuinely loved games and encouraged me to pick up a Nintendo Switch. They told me to try Stardew Valley, and I haven’t looked back since.
From there, I got back into gaming properly. An Xbox and Game Pass opened up even more doors, Death’s Door, Hades, Wildfrost, and even games I didn’t expect to love, like Baldur’s Gate 3, completely surprised me.
Game Image: Wanderstop, Developer: Ivy Road
Why Cozy Games Matter to Me
Gaming quickly became more than just a hobby again. It became something I actively relied on, to manage stress, ease anxiety, and give my brain a break when everything felt like too much.
There’s something powerful about games that meet you where you are. A slow life sim, a soft narrative, or even just decorating a space while listening to music can create a kind of calm that’s hard to find elsewhere.
For me, games like Spiritfarer, GRIS, or even just quietly building in The Sims have genuinely helped me through difficult moments.
And yet, even now, there’s still sometimes judgement around gaming as an adult, especially as a woman. I know what that feels like, and I wanted to create a space where that doesn’t exist.
This blog is meant to feel like a gentle landing spot, a place where you can discover games, feel understood, and not have to justify why they matter to you.
Game Image: Spiritfarer, Developer: Thunder Lotus Games
What You’ll Find on PeaPodGirlGaming
I write about the games I’m playing, whether it’s the latest indie gem on Game Pass or a Switch title I’ve finally got round to. I put together themed lists, highlight cozy or creative games you might have missed, and occasionally cover key gaming news when it feels relevant to this space.
I’m also leaning more into the connection between games and mental wellbeing. For me, gaming has been a way to decompress, to feel seen, and to reconnect with myself when things feel heavy. That’s something I want to bring into the blog more intentionally, not just sharing what I’m playing, but why it’s helped, or why it might help someone else.
So whether you’re after something soothing to play after work, a new obsession to sink into, or just a reminder that it’s okay to love video games as an adult, I hope you find something here that speaks to you.
Game Image: Stardew Valley, Developer: ConcernedApe
Become a part of The Pod Community
If you enjoy what you find here at PeaPodGirlGaming, I’d love to have you join The Pod Community in whatever way feels right for you!
Sign up for the newsletter to get updates, exclusive game recommendations, and behind-the-scenes thoughts straight to your inbox.
Follow me on social media - I’m active on TikTok, Bluesky, X and Instagram where I share quick updates, gaming chat, and occasional giveaways.
Comment on posts! I read every comment and love hearing your thoughts, suggestions, or just what games you’re currently enjoying.
Recommend games - Have a cozy game or hidden gem you think I should check out? Let me know! Contact me here or DM me on socials
Interested in collaborating? I’m always open to partnerships, guest posts, or other creative ideas, just get in touch!
And down the line, I’m hoping to start a Discord community where we can chat more directly, share tips, and maybe even play together.
Engagement means a lot, not just to help this blog grow, but to create a space where we can all share our love of games and support each other.
Thanks so much for being here 🥰
