7 reasons crossword puzzles are good for you

Crosswords are more than just a great way to pass your time.

You may just love solving problems, and find it an excellent hobby, but as it turns out: it’s good for your brain. 

Researchers have studied the positive effects crossword puzzles can play for your brain provided they are completed regularly. The good news is that once a week constitutes regularly, so you should have no trouble fitting one or two in. 

Solving crossword puzzles on your own is beneficial, however working in a group adds another dimension. Collaboration requires creative thinking in a strategic fashion. Overall, crossword puzzles are a brain consuming activity, you can improve your verbal skills, increase your deep thinking, and help you solve problems. 

Completing crosswords on a daily basis helps to keep your brain sharp and active, especially in your senior years. This can prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s. 

When working in a group you act as a group, thus creating a bonding experience. Not only does it improve social bonds, but it improves the speed of thinking and solving the problems. 

Crosswords provide regular learning, because you will constantly learn new words. When you come across a new word you’ll likely head for the dictionary in order to understand the definition of the word, which means it’s going to stick. 

Solving puzzles leads to digging deeper into the problem(s) at hand. Suddenly your sole focus is solving the problem, and forgetting about your worries… leading you to relaxation bliss. 

Very rarely do you meet a simple crossword puzzle, while some may be easier than others none of these are easy. At some point you will have to rack your brain to solve a problem. Racking your brain can help you deal with life’s normal troubles. Because crossword puzzles help you think clearly and understanding puzzle patterns can help you understand life’s patterns.

Patterns provide our lives with structure and help us to explain how things are connected, and they are rooted in science and math. One of the most efficient ways that crossword puzzles keep your brain fit is by exercising your pattern detecting muscle. 

Many people suffer from boredom, and for those who are anxious, bored, depressed or lonely solving crossword puzzles can help you relax. It can keep your mind engaged and allow you to have fun. Whether you are a puzzle person or not, anyone can enjoy crossword puzzles.  

So you see, crossword puzzles really aren’t just a fun hobby, they can reduce stress, exercise your brain and fend off the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s. If you’re new to crosswords start off with the easier options before working your way up to more difficult puzzles.