Recent research has proven that there are effective ways to keep your brain healthy, especially as you age. Whether it's eating right or engaging in certain mental exercises, Dr. Gregory Duhon, MD, says there's much you can do to stay sharp. There are many benefits to mental health that one can gain from engaging in crosswords and other puzzles. Such benefits include boosting cognitive function, reducing stress, and promoting overall well-being. Here are some of the biggest benefits of challenging your mind with crosswords and other puzzles.
Improves Memory
Completing crosswords and other word puzzles consistently can help increase your performance in memory, reasoning, and attention. A study from King’s College London found that completing crosswords can result in brain function that is equivalent to someone 10 years younger than you.
According to Dr. Gregory Duhon, by consistently challenging your mind with these word puzzles, you can maintain the health of your brain—and even keep it younger as you age.
Keeps Your Brain Active
When you learn something new, you are pushing your brain to its limits and stimulating positive brain activity. This helps to keep your mind younger and sharper as you age.
“The great part about crosswords and other puzzles is that they introduce you to words you may not have known before,” says Dr. Gregory Duhon. “You might start using words in new contexts, too. Overall, these games will help to improve your spelling and broaden your vocabulary.”
One way you can enhance this type of learning is by having a dictionary on hand while you're completing these puzzles. That way, you can read more into the definitions of words if you're unfamiliar with them.
Can Increase Social Bonds
While crossword puzzles are often considered a solo activity, they don't have to be. It's great fun to complete crosswords and other puzzles with a team. There are many benefits to doing this.
First, it can result in you completing more crosswords from start to finish, which gives you a greater sense of accomplishment. Second, having other people chime in with their knowledge of the world helps you gain new perspectives.
In doing so, you can increase social bonds. This is extremely important for all people, regardless of age, as having strong social bonds results in lower stress levels, which helps to prevent against major chronic diseases.
Having strong social bonds generally results in a healthier mental state, which can benefit your health in numerous ways.
Improves Mood
Along these lines, Dr. Gregory Duhon, MD, says that completing crosswords and other puzzles can greatly improve your mood.
“As you overcome challenges, you will feel accomplished and prideful in what you're doing,” says Dr. Duhon.
The brain releases dopamine when you complete a challenge such as a crossword, and this results in you feeling pleasure. Ultimately, you’ll feel better about yourself and the world around you.
This is extremely important for all people, regardless of life situation, as it can benefit everything you do.
About Dr. Gregory Duhon, MD
Dr. Gregory Duhon, MD, is an Internal Medicine Physician and Hospitalist with acumen in ICU, emergency room, and crisis/pandemic management. Known for prioritizing compassionate patient care, Dr. Duhon has donated volunteer time to provide medical care to flood victims and those affected by opioid addiction. Dr. Duhon is training for the Ironman and enjoys travel, cooking, and passion fruit propagation.
