Our body has a unique physiological response to a threat. Through their sympathetic nervous system, animals react with a surge of cortisol, an increase in blood pressure, circulation and a number of other hormones. In fact, our bodies prepare to deal with a potential threat by either fleeing or fighting. But what does it mean if the body goes through an acute stress response for months 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Excessive stress can lead to cardiovascular disease, Cushing's syndrome, heart attacks and strokes.

However, every news source carries the message that now that we have so much free time, we should make the most of it. Viral training challenges in TikTok (such as the two-week Chloe Ting challenge), organizational goals, perfecting daily routines and everything in between stimulate a state of constant productivity. Is this the best way to live under the circumstances?

From a global pandemic with enormous economic consequences to pervasive civil unrest, the fight against police brutality and racial injustice, we all experience collective grief. Meanwhile, our bodies are pumping out high levels of hormones and looking for a form of survival.

It is not intended to discredit the critical efforts made by many to become aware of racial injustice and to actively protest against violence and discrimination against BIPOC . Without such efforts, we wouldn't have had the Minneapolis police abolition and more southern photos removed across the country. But given the state of the world and our own bodies, sometimes we need a bit of an escape, a break from a rather daunting reality.

Recently, I chose a game that was a big part of my childhood: Animal Crossing. Since I was a little kid, I have played every iteration of the game, from "Animal Crossing: Wild World" on the Nintendo DS Lite to the newest "Animal Crossing: New Leaf" on the 3DS.

Released in March 2020, "Animal Crossing: New Horizons" is a life simulation game in which players act as a resident representative, build houses and design their own islands. Why Animal Crossing has become the game of this pandemic is the opportunity to enjoy fresh air indoors. Activities such as fishing, swimming and shopping become accessible and safe. Users can play online with friends or continue building their own island with anthropomorphic Animal Crossing Items villagers. Players even have the option of celebrating villagers' birthdays with small parties and gifts.

As strange as it seems to me, the saying "Animal Crossing" gives a sense of stability in an otherwise uncertain world. Users can really do what they want with set goals and missions throughout the game. The repetitive tranquility of the game breaks the pressure, fear and violence in our world.

However, it seems that such a break is necessary. Whether it's a favorite album or a new hobby, we all need to find a way to escape the world. Our body is not designed to survive in constant confusion. Each of us struggles with unique stressors and battles. Don't take this as an excuse to completely distance yourself from the world, but instead take a moment to reflect and breathe new life into yourself. Breath. Find a moment of peace. These unique circumstances do not require each of us to be a superman, but instead allow ourselves to grow and survive.