How Animal Crossing Has Helped Me Cope During the Quarantine

Hi, everyone! How are you? And by that, I really mean—how are you? How’s your mental health? How have you been coping with the COVID-19 pandemic?

Things have been quite a blur for me, to be honest. I didn’t even realize until I checked my latest blog post that it’s been more than a month since I wrote an article. I actually thought that by being home 24/7, I’d have more time to write for the blog. But it turns out—it’s not that easy. As much as I love writing, it takes up so much of my energy and lately, I’ve been using that energy to really get it together and stay mentally healthy.

I haven’t been outside our condominium for more than two months, and while I love staying at home and enjoying its quiet space more than going out, I really miss my family. This is the longest I haven’t seen them in person, and doing video calls just isn’t the same.

Our company also declared furlough until further notice, which is completely understandable given that we’re a startup business. So since April, I’ve had so much time in my hands and to keep myself busy, I was introduced to the wonderful world of Animal Crossing New Horizons on Nintendo Switch. I know it’s just a game and that others have it so much worse, but it’s made not seeing my family and being furloughed bearable (besides having the Cupcake, Booboo, and Bellatrix around, of course). I find so much fulfillment in developing my little island, and every day, there’s always something I can add or improve. My island is constantly evolving—especially whenever I visit other islands to get inspiration.

My island’s name is Bellaboo—named after Bellatrix and Booboo!

Here are photos of how my island currently looks like!

Island Entrance

Museum Entrance

WWE Arena

Disney Museum (Can you name all the characters based on their references? Haha.)

Something Different Bakeshop and Mama Jessie’s Kesong Puti! Created both logos from scratch. Haha.

Garden Shop

Outdoor Cafe

Outdoor Library

Jazz Lounge

Romantic Restaurant by the Sea

Italian Restaurant

Sports Zone

Carnival

Kiddie Park

Another Park and Hangout Spot

Zen Garden and Spa

Bar by the Beach

Village Gym

Village Pool

Entrance to my house! I have exclusive access to a private beach in the back of my island. Haha!

Living Room

Bedroom

Black and White Kitchen (Someone said it reminded her of Toby’s Estate. Haha!)

Slytherin Room

Game Room

Extra Pink Bedroom (where I craft DIY recipes)

Animal Crossing also allowed me to reconnect with old friends and school mates who I haven’t talked to in years. We’ve been chatting more often, helping each other collect things we need or want, and gifting each other with letters as a way of saying thank you. And I think these connections, in a way, have been helpful in keeping me grounded.

L-R: Jill, Clara, Eden, and me! Also known as the NBaes (wives of the Cupcake’s Ateneo barkada)

Anyway, I just wanted to share that here. I hope that you’re all safe and okay, that the government does a better job in preventing the spread of the virus, and that we find a vaccine really soon. That way, we can give each other real hugs again. They feel so much better than virtual ones.