Reduce Stress by Playing Tetris

January 14 2009, 11:56am

Based on a science experiment conducted by researchers from Oxford University, playing Tetris (a popular puzzle game) can reduce or prevent post traumatic stress disorder.

“The researchers who published their findings in the Public Library of Science One journal showed 40 healthy volunteers that included traumatic images of injury from a variety of sources, including adverts highlighting the dangers of drink driving.” “After waiting for 30 minutes, 20 of the volunteers played “Tetris” for 10 minutes while the other half did nothing. Those who had played the computer game experienced significantly fewer flashbacks over the next week.” [Telegraph | Playing the video game 'Tetris' could reduce trauma, claim Oxford University] Dr. Emily Holmes of the Department of Psychiatry at Oxford University believes that the computer game helps block the brain from storing painful memories as long as it is played immediately after the event. Okay, while we don’t encounter traumatic experiences in our daily lives (hopefully), maybe Tetris can help prevent the accumulation of work and home related stress. Don’t like Tetris? I believe having any hobby, and setting some quality time on that on a regular basis, may have similar results. IceRocket: tetris prevent trauma