1. Use it or Lose it
Brainteasers make great party games.Everyone gets involved in solving a riddle or word puzzle, shouting the answers and laughing at each other's responses. However, brainteasers are good for more than fun. For everyone from youngsters learning to reason and solve problems to seniors just beginning to forget important dates, brainteasers can actually serve as exercise for the mind. The harder the puzzle, the stronger your brain becomes when you solve it, or try to solve it.
2. Increasing Brain Fitness
Researchers have been stepping up their studies of cognitive training to develop new fields of brain fitness as we discover new pathways into the mysterious mass in our heads. All studies show that brainteasers, such as word games, jumbles and anagrams, work to strengthen the brain's ability to function. Stroke patients are tested for improvement and after two weeks of a steady diet of brain teasers they resume normal functions and maintain their newfound cognitive abilities.
3. Quality of Life
Since we know that stress and negative emotions take a toll on our physical well being, it goes without saying that relaxed, happy people remain healthier longer. To live a longer, more fulfilling life, engage in regular brainteasers to exercise the brain, the source of so much of our pain and joy. Even if you have an intellectually challenging job, stop a couple times a week to play a word game. You will be amazed at the quality of your brain function.
4. Jumbled Words
The most popular brain teasers are printed in local newspapers daily. One of the best exercises you can do after your crunches and aerobic training is to sit for 30 minutes with the daily crossword puzzle. As you sharpen your pencil, sharpen your mind. The Jumble is another favorite. The Jumble is a brainteaser that mixes up the letters of words. You unscramble the letters to create four or five words then take circled letters and answer a clue. You'll put your brain through its daily calisthenics and maybe increase your vocabulary at the same time.
5. Rest from Stress
Another benefit of brain teaser is that they demand your attention. You cannot solve a complicated Suduko number puzzle and think about what you'll say at your morning meeting. The brain has time to work solely on one project, giving some leeway for the stressor points to diminish in light of solving the puzzle. It is, in a way, a form of meditation.
