Wouldn't you love to have the mind and body that you did when you were a teenager? Oh yeah, me too.
Sure, sure. Maybe the people who play brain games are considered the "nerds" of your family or friend group. But research shows that those people -- the ones who play Sudoku and chess, do crosswords and word searches, and put together jigsaw puzzles are using their brain at a higher, more functioning level.
Being mentally healthy and having a high functioning mind is a major part of being physically healthy. Occasionally, taking a break from the gym and the treadmills are okay -- and it is a great idea to rest with a puzzle or brain game.
Here are just a few of the reasons why brain games, like crosswords and sudoku puzzles, are so good for you:
1. Enhances brain activity.
These puzzles and games train your brain to be active and to work efficiently in different, yet tough situations. Whether it be using the numbers 1-9 in one row or finding 50 words in a jumble of letters, your mind is constantly engaging and learning new things.
2. Uses both sides of the brain.
The left hemisphere of the brain focuses on logic, while the right hemisphere is responsible for creativity. Playing brain games uses both sides heavily.
3. Increases concentration level.
There is nothing more satisfying that reaching the end of a puzzle and admiring the finished product. Focusing helps finish it faster, thus allowing more time to do more!
4. Lowers dementia risk.
The brain training that these games teach are practicing speed, accuracy, and attention within the brain. Practicing these things substantially lowers the risk for, sometimes even avoiding, dementia or other memory problems.
5. Increases strategic and logical mindset.
Different types of brain games teach you different strategies. Chess teaches how to plan to attack and win; crosswords teach to use the words you know to help figure out the ones that you don't; jigsaw puzzles teach to use the pieces' locations that are given to you (i.e. the outside pieces) to help work inwards to solve the entire thing.
6. Increases problem solving.
Nothing that panics you more than trying to get out of an impending checkmate.
7. Teaches new words and definitions.
How can you solve a crossword if you don't know some of the words? Or what they mean? Easy answer. YOU CAN'T. Crosswords to the rescue!
8. Passes the time.
Sitting in a waiting room with a lot of people ahead of you? A perfect time to pull out your puzzle books!
9. Relaxes your brain.
A major stress-reliever.
10. And they're just fun!
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Brain games are almost essential to getting and maintaining a young, healthy mind.
Dollar Tree has hundreds of Sudoku, word searches, and crossword puzzles. Join in on the fun!
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