Many consider Tokyo University as one of Japan’s most prestigious universities. So when they reveal the findings of their scientific studies, many people listen. As for their latest findings, a new report in the scientific journal Nature‘s Scientific Reports section has found that Pokemon GO doesn’t just give people much-needed exercise, but also reduce stress.

The report stated that  full-time workers who played the game for a month or more reported significantly lower levels of psychological stress than those who didn’t. The Tokyo University team conducted the study through online surveys with 3,915 full-time Japanese workers in the period November 2015 to February 2016, and then follow-up surveys in December 2016. 246 of these workers continued playing the game after a month, and they showed significantly reduced stress levels.

Professor Norito Kawakami led the team, and they used the “Brief Job Stress Questionnaire (BJSQ)” to determine stress levels. These questionnaires assess any changes over the time period, alongside other questions regarding work performance and other factors such as smoking or drinking habits.

The report also stated that self-reported stress levels, as well as physical complaints, also went down slightly for players. As to why Pokemon GO reduces stress, the study didn’t really tackle that question. However, they did warn of the dangers regarding the game:

“traffic accidents or injury risks; trespassing; abduction, and violence; mosquito-borne diseases; and sleep problems.”

As we all know, many in Japan are suffering ridiculous amounts of stress, mostly from work. Let’s just say that it ain’t no secret that many Japanese are overworked and underpaid. This of course has led to many people in Japan committing suicides. But when Niantic released Pokemon GO in Japan, the number of suicides decreased.

So if you’re feeling all stressed out because your girlfriend dumped you or your boss yelled at you, play Pokemon GO! But do remember to be aware of your surroundings, ok?

Source: Rocket News 24