TRY SOLVING CROSSWORD PUZZLES FOR A BETTER HEALTH

 

Crossword and word puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, mysteries, and other brain games are all used as a way to relax. What is the inherent trait of a puzzle or a problem that soothes, even while they present a new type of challenge? Puzzles captivate us at the same time they taunt us with challenges.

A crossword puzzle is not a test of intelligence and solving is not really about the size of your vocabulary. It's about understanding what the clues are asking you to do. And you can absolutely learn to do that. We believe that anyone can learn to solve crosswords.

Arthur Wynne is credited with having invented the modern crossword puzzle in 1913. The boxes in Wynne's original puzzle were organised in a diamond shape, not a square, with an open area in the centre, rather than the square shape we see today. The rules, though, were nearly identical.

One of the greatest benefits of crosswords are that they are constantly introducing you to new words. Learning new things is a productive way to pass the time and helps keep your mind active. Crossword puzzles teach new vocabulary and improve spelling in people of all ages.

Memory and thinking skills may improve with regular crossword practice. A study published in NEJM Evidence found that people with mild memory problems who did web-based crossword puzzles showed improvement in cognition and experienced less brain shrinkage, compared to those who played web-based cognitive games.

This exposure helps expand your vocabulary and improves your overall language skills. Engaging in crossword puzzles can be a relaxing and meditative activity. It allows you to temporarily detach from the stresses of your day and immerse yourself in a mental challenge.

Research has shown that completing crossword puzzles can help to relieve stress, improve intellectual well-being, assist in learning a new (or specialized) language, and much more! Something else to note is that crossword puzzles are beneficial for children and adults alike.

Practice makes perfect, even with crossword puzzles. Start with simple puzzles and work up to the more difficult ones. Divide the puzzle into smaller sections and complete each cluster before moving on. It's easier than completing all of the across or down clues.