About two weeks ago, I was hearing about more people starting to play the popular mobile game, "Pokemon Go," again after a new update allowed people to add friends to the game. I was intrigued because I played Pokemon Go back in 2016 when just about everyone you knew was playing it. After a while, the hype died down, as it tends to with a certain fad, trend, app, etc. I stopped playing it and forgot about it for a bit, until recently. Now, my boyfriend and I will frequently go on walks around our neighborhood and our town to catch Pokemon. It is fun and a good bonding experience for us.

Here are 5 reasons you should start playing Pokemon Go again - or for the first time if you're new to the game!

1. It gets you out of the house

In order to catch Pokemon and visit Pokestops to collect Pokeballs, eggs, gifts to send to your friends, etc., you need to get off the couch and walk around! Ever since we started playing Pokemon Go again, my boyfriend and I get out of the house a lot more often. We are enjoying summer a lot more now that we find ourselves spending more time outside.

2. You get to exercise

As I mentioned, you have to walk to Pokestops and to catch Pokemon. If you want to battle other trainers and attend raids, you also have to walk to gyms. If you weren't aware before, walking is great for your health. Not only can you gain more XP points, Pokemon and other goodies, but you get to stay healthy too!

3. You learn more about your community

Not only are we getting out of the house and exercising more, we are getting to learn more about our community. Many of the Pokestops are at local parks, murals, churches, etc. You get the opportunity to learn more about historical landmarks and discover cool new places that you may not have known existed prior to playing Pokemon Go. Regardless of a game, you should get to know your community!

4. You get to meet new people

Pokemon Go often has events known as Community Days, which is when an event takes place at a large public gathering, such as a park and the game allows you to catch rare Pokemon and other special perks/bonuses. You also have the opportunity to meet fellow players and possibly make new friends. It's good to make new friends.

5. You now have the ability to add your friends

Like I mentioned with the latest update, people are now allowed to share their trainer codes and add each other. You can send each other gifts and increase your friendship level, which helps both of you advance in the game.

One of my personal favorite aspects about Pokemon Go is that it's all for ages and everyone has fun playing it. I forgot how fun it is until I started playing it again and I'm glad I got back into the game.

Have fun catching Pokemon!

Happy PikachuGiphy