Electronic Arts announced today that The Stress Institute are teaming up with online games sites to promote the positive impact playing games has on your health. Dr. Kathleen Hall, the founder of The Stress Institute, will interact with Pogo.com’s over 13 million users through January of 2008, offering stress-management advice and relaxation tips. “Play time is not a luxury, it is an essential element for your mental and physical health and well being and is an excellent stress reliever,” Dr. Hall said. “Stress is the driver for most diseases and the benefits of play and laughter in overcoming and preventing stress, aging and disease are too numerous to ignore.”

According to the Institute, some of these health benefits include:

Stress Reduction - Playing even five minutes of stress-busting games like Poppit! or Lottso! Deluxe, can lower blood pressure and stave off anxiety, depression and disease.

Brain Health - Games like Word Whomp, Tumble Bees or any one of the 40-plus puzzle games found on Pogo.com stimulate the brain and help to keep it sharp and healthy.

Social Community - By connecting with family, friends and new online buddies through unique chat features on Pogo.com, players can avoid feelings of isolation, loneliness and depression.

Build self-esteem - Everyone enjoys winning and the games on Pogo.com allow even the most novice player an opportunity to be a winner. The vibrant and supportive Pogo community offers encouragement further building a strong sense of individual empowerment.

Remember that this holiday season when your family is driving you crazy - you’re not sneaking off to grab time with your DS, you’re meditating.