I finished Outer Wilds a few weeks ago. It was, in my opinion, one of the strongest arguments for treating video games as an art form that I’ve ever experienced. It’s not long - I finished it in about 20 hours - but the narrative and story is so well put together and thought out that it felt a lot longer. I thought it was beautiful and thought provoking.

Video games as a whole aren’t for everyone, but if I meet someone and they’re interested in games but hasn’t played them much, Outer Wilds is on the top of my list of recommends. If you play a lot of video games, this one will amaze you. Don’t read anything about it - just grab it when it’s on sale and go in blind. I did and it made a big difference.

1. Sure, but this just replaces the music with the sound of my breathing. There’s always something in my brain. The only meditative peace I can get is in a flow state e.g. working out.
2. Yup, damn near always. Yak yak yak goes the brain.
3. Usually just vocals unless I focus on the music, or if it’s instrumental then I hear everything.
4. Music that I can play in my brain on demand is usually music I listen to all the time already, with some exceptions. Don’t have exact data on this, but it depends on context - if it’s my favorite band then it’ll stick around after 1 listen. If it’s someone else or music I dislike it may take several listens.
5. I play The Axe by which I mean a ukulele. Not particularly well IMO but it’s fun and relaxing.
6. I don’t think so, but I can identify most songs I’ve heard before pretty quickly if I know the band or song name. It’s like an involuntary Shazam.

I think I’m special here. Most of the time if I’ve got a song on repeat and I’m tired of it I can think of a different song and play that instead. I just tell my brain, “Dummy, play The River by King Gizzard” and I’ll hear it. It’s nice.

The problem is there always needs to be a song going - there is no silence track. As soon as my brain notices that I’m not playing a song, it’ll play one for me, usually the last one I heard.

If you can, try to get in and see an endocrinologist. They specialize in hormones and their effects on the body.

I saw one with my partner for her specific issues and it’s made a big difference in quality of care. For one, the endo actually listens to her and works with us to find the problem. Experiences may differ but a specialist is the right path, if you’re able to see one. Hope you get a chance to - it took us months to get an appointment with one near us, but it’s been worth it so far.