Cravings may be reduced be playing a game of Tetris

Researchers from Britain and Australia discovered that playing a quick 3 minute game of Tetris can significantly reduce cravings for food, drink and smoking.

They attribute this “Tetris effect” to the idea that playing a visually stimulating game such as Tetris occupies the mental process that are responsible for cravings. The theory being that in order to be able to crave for something you must be able to visualize it.

I am actually interested to try this distraction technique in some of my patients who are struggling to quit smoking. All it would take is for them to download Tetris on their smart phone and reach for that as opposed to a cigarette.

Here is the link to the article.

Posted on 18/08/2015 by Dr. Dimitre