Playing Pokémon Go Can Improve Your Mental Health
People are still crazy about Pokémon Go. It’s even better and bigger now than what it was when the whole thing started. The game took many nations by storm and it continues to expand internationally.
Pokémon Go is not the first and only augmented game available on our smartphones but the exciting Pokémon Go world has been spreading like wildfire since it started. People start roaming in their neighborhood in search of Pokémon and there are many health benefits related to playing the game. Here, we are going to talk about the health benefits of playing Pokémon Go and these are not only physical. Many benefits are related to our mental health.
With Pokémon Go, you will Be More Active
Understandably, when playing Pokémon Go you will walk more and explore nature while walking and chasing Pokémon. Unlike other games available on our phones, Pokémon Go has a real-life environment and it allows you to navigate it through the digital world. For many players, playing Pokémon Go requires cycling, walking or running.
Walking itself offers you a wide range of health benefits. A regular brisk walk helps you to elevate your mood, maintain healthy body weight, boost coordination and balance, and even strengthen your bones.
Additionally, walking through natural areas of your city will provide you with mental health benefits. According to research from Sandford University, walking through green areas has a significant effect on our positive mood. Another study found that 90 minutes of walking in nature can significantly reduce negative thinking.
With Pokémon Go, You Can Create More Social Interactions
Another element of Pokémon Go is that it offers real-life social interactions. The conventional approach to interaction in the world of gaming is the online multiple players approach where communication is exclusively digital. Pokémon Go can truly bring people together. Many players of the game reported that while hunting for Pokémon in their city, they regularly notice other players interact and even make friends.
Of course, social activity can have a profound effect on your mental health, mood, and well-being. In some cases, social activity can help you deal with depression and anxieties. Pokémon Go will give your incentive to actually socialize and meet others which is not necessarily the case if you are playing video games.
Pokémon Go Can Boost Your Overall Motivation
The level of our motivation has a direct impact on our actions. More than often we know what exactly we should do but if we are not motivated that won’t happen. We might lack enthusiasm, or we suffer from anxieties and depression which all leads to a lack of activity, and even leaving your bed can become a challenge.
Sometimes all we need is a boost to build momentum. If we are staying in the house all the time, we might not build the motivation that we need to move and do the things we want to do. Pokémon Go will give you a reason to go out there into the real world and have fun.
Watch Where You are Going
Let’s not forget to look up when we are playing Pokémon Go. We can easily get too carried away in this fun reality adventure but don’t forget to stay safe. Maintain situational awareness of your environment. Some players of Pokémon Go were caught in many accidents (minor and major). This happens purely due to a lack of awareness of the environment. Make sure, you know where you are, where you are going and what’s around you, especially in busy areas.
Also, be cautious if the game leads you to explore areas where you have never been before. Especially, if it’s a dangerous area in any way. It might be smart not to wander in the dark on your own in the area where you’ve never been before.
Additionally, have self-control when playing any game. Addiction of any kind of game is not a healthy solution for anyone. Try to keep the game fun but without having an impact on your life and without obsessing about it.
With these safety measures in mind, you are ready to go out and try to catch them all. Don’t forget your mask and stay safe.