Playing mobile games is now a scientifically proven method to get rid of stress at work. Go tell your boss.

Did you know that more than 50% of Americans regularly experience symptoms of cognitive fatigue, stress and anxiety at work? You probably did, as you are more-likely-than-not to be in that greater half of workers. So then you probably like to chill in your office’s lounge or hide away in the canteen to release some steam, while playing a game on your mobile phone. It’s awesome, but then you start kicking yourself for not using the time to catch up with that massive pile of documents, and end up stressing even more.

Don’t, OK? A recent study at the University of Central Florida has revealed that mobile games are a surprisingly efficient way to boot your brain’s hard drive when you have overwhelmed it with multiple boring tasks on the job.

The study pulled in 66 participants and researchers asked them to use a computer to perform repetitive and uninteresting tasks, specially designed to tire their brains’ cognitive networks.

Subjects were then given some time to rest, during which period they were split into three activity groups – the first group played a mobile game, called Sushi Cat 2; the second stood quietly, without access to any mobile devices; while the third group took part in a guided relaxation exercise.

Guess what – only the ones who played the game reported that they felt better after the break. The nothing-doers reported they felt detached from work and experienced worry as a result, while the relaxation group participants reported reduced negative feelings and distress.


Who knew, right? So, next time you waste your lunchtime with a mobile game, don’t feel bad, it’s apparently one of the most efficient ways to get through those long 9-to-5 cycles.

source: EurekaAlert via CNET