Ridiculous riddles, complex crosswords and wicked word searches; some of the most well-loved puzzles across an array of civilisations. The question is, how much do we really benefit from puzzle solving?
For centuries, philosophers have analysed the relationship between puzzle solving and the short and long term impact this has on an individual. The results… remarkable! It is sought that puzzles not only inspire deep thinkers, but is also the reason for several other benefits.
In this blog, I am going to provide you with 7 benefits of puzzle solving for adults. Now, some of these might seem pretty obvious to you. But, you probably don’t realise just how much puzzles have an impact on you.
BENEFITS OF PUZZLE SOLVING FOR ADULTS – BENEFIT 1
Mentally active and fit
It cannot be said that puzzles are not great way to keep your mind mentally active and healthy. Puzzles allows your mind to engage in a situation that requires a great deal of thought, concentration, and patience.
It is often said that keeping your mind active, allows you to feel and be more active. This is something I totally agree with.
Keeping your mind active also allows you to reduce stress levels and reduces fatigue.
BENEFITS OF PUZZLE SOLVING FOR ADULTS – BENEFIT 2
Puzzles Inspire Education
One of the benefits of puzzle solving for adults is enhancing skills such as:
• Research;
• Critical Thinking;
• Cognitive Ability;
• Concentration.
When working out a puzzle, whether that be a crossword or a Sudoku, logical reasoning needs to be applied. Therefore, not only are these puzzles created to be fun and provide entertainment, but also inspires education.
BENEFITS OF PUZZLE SOLVING FOR ADULTS – BENEFIT 3
Meditation
There is a huge relationship between puzzles and meditation techniques. As mentioned, puzzles invigorate the mind and allows the mind to stay active and healthy. However, what puzzles also do is allow us to relax those brain cells to contemplate solutions.
This puts our mind in a sort of trance – just like meditation. This will allow you to reduce your stress levels, increase productivity, and ultimately improve self-confidence.
BENEFITS OF PUZZLE SOLVING FOR ADULTS – BENEFIT 4
Improving IQ
One of the most valuable benefits of puzzle solving for adults is that it helps to improve IQ scores. IQ stands for “intelligence quotient”.
Puzzles are a great way for individuals to think about the puzzle. It also allows them to improve general knowledge, cognitive skills, memory, concentration, and problem solving.
BENEFITS OF PUZZLE SOLVING FOR ADULTS – BENEFIT 5
Increase in Productivity
Another benefit of puzzle solving is increased productivity. It is said that figuring out the answers to fun puzzles, helps to increase productivity levels.
Playing games is a great way to subconsciously improve vital skills, which all help to improve productivity.
BENEFITS OF PUZZLE SOLVING FOR ADULTS – BENEFIT 6
Improves Cognitive Ability
Puzzles are fantastic for improving visual performance. Children are able to improve their cognitive ability through recognition of shapes, colours and basic patterns. For adults, cognitive ability goes beyond the basics of recognition of patterns, and allows for more advanced reasoning.
BENEFITS OF PUZZLE SOLVING FOR ADULTS – BENEFIT 7
Concentration
Finally, another benefit of puzzle solving is concentration. Concentration is a great skill to improve upon, as it is a skill required for everyday life.
Puzzles often require you to think analytically, and therefore require a great deal of attention and patience to come to some conclusion. It is concentration that allows you to begin a problem and be able to finish it.
FURTHER PUZZLE RESOURCES
Are you ready to tackle some tantalizing puzzles?
Take a look at our Spy Puzzle Book for a whole range of puzzles – from beginner level, to extreme levels of advance!
