We have heard a lot about the physical risks of playing Pokémon Go. Even though all of us have read the "always be aware of your surroundings" warning on the game's opening, wandering Pokémon Go players who are very absorbed in catching Pokémon and are not cautious enough can easily trip, fall into a hole, sprain an ankle, bump onto road signs, get hit by a car or be taken advantage of by robbers.
But if playing Pokémon Go can lead to danger and mishaps, it has its share of advantages, too. In fact, recent studies revealed that playing Pokémon Go can benefit your health. Here are the reasons why:
More Physical Activity
It's almost impossible to get anywhere in the game without moving around. Like the Pokémon theme song goes, you will need to "travel across the land, searching far and wide..." (Pokémon, gotta catch'em all!) And if you're not a fan of exercise like me, you will find Pokémon Go like an exercise buddy who encourages you to get up from your beloved bed and walk around. Aside from tracking Pokémon, another reason to cover some distance is hatching Pokémon eggs.
Typically, the most basic eggs you get require a 2 km or 5 km distance to complete incubation... and oops! Driving doesn't work so you really need to walk even though you hate it so much. But soon enough you'll realize the benefits it gives you is not just a newborn Rattata.
According to a research study published by the Journal of Experimental Psychology, walking increases the brain's creative production. Microsoft Research also says that people with more physical activities "tend to live longer, have lower risk for heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, depression, and some cancers, and are more likely to maintain a healthy weight."
Furthermore, in a recent study published by the said institute titled "Influence of Pokémon Go on Physical Activity: Study and Implications," it was proven that Pokémon Go users have become more physically active. With a sample size of 1,500 players, the researchers recorded a total of 144 billion steps taken in 30 days in the United States. The study also revealed that Pokémon Go players take an average of 7,229 steps daily, which is 13 percent higher than the control population.
Opportunity For Social Interaction
Pokémon Go brings together a community of players. While visiting a Pokéstop, players meet other players, and the tale goes on from a coincidental meeting to best friends forever mode. The game allows you to have more social interaction with your co-trainers, and its non-violent nature gives opportunities for new acquaintances (maybe not if you're hunting for the same Pokémon) as you share each other some tips and tricks for the game.
However, it doesn't just introduce you to new BFF's; it affects your emotional and mental health as well. "The game is bringing people together, providing opportunity for social interaction and increasing our sense of belonging, which can have a positive impact on our emotional and mental health," said Matt Hoffman, a clinical assistant professor at Texas A&M College of Nursing.
Hoffman also said the game can bring families together as parents join their kids to play Pokémon Go outside.
Make You Spend More Time Outdoors
Instead of staying cooped up in your bedroom with just your PC or smartphone, Pokémon Go expands your world. Various studies have associated being outdoors with "greater vitality," due to the presence of natural elements. In my case, getting outside to breathe fresh air and looking at greens is very relaxing after a day of work.
Another health benefit of playing Pokémon Go is, you get more vitamin D by staying under the sun. Vitamin D is very important for healthy bones, regulation of calcium and phosphorus absorption and in preventing various diseases such as cancer, Type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
