THE REAL PSYCHOLOGY BEHIND CROSSWORD PUZZLES
Have you seen the movie “The Imitation Game” which is based on Alan Turing?
If you have seen the movie, I’m sure you noticed how at one point Turning, when he needed to hire people to work under him, took the help of a difficult crossword puzzle in a newspaper to test potential applicants.
Crossword puzzles are an amazing way to pass time. If you are someone who loves solving crossword puzzles, this post will amaze you.
You will be glad to learn that science has explained why crosswords are good for your brain. Online word puzzles are being created to enhance vocabulary and improve logical reasoning and other skills. However, there are long lists of benefits of solving puzzles.
What Researchers Have to Say?
Many researchers have discovered the positive effects that crossword puzzles can have on one’s brain if you are a frequent player.
Well, frequent doesn’t necessarily mean every day, twice or thrice a week would do. Among these researchers is Ann Lukits.
She is the one who wrote “Puzzles Boost Verbal Skills, Cut Dementia Risk” for the Wall Street Journal.
She firmly believes that solving crosswords on a regular basis can “improve memory and brain function in older adults.”
All these activities can also “improve mental functions in patients with brain damage or early dementia.”
If an individual solves crossword on an app, it is highly beneficial but working in a group adds a bigger advantage to one’s brain function.
Well, one major factor of collaborative cruciverbalism is the ability to think creatively in a more strategic fashion. The other factors are fairly easy to capture.
When someone involves themselves in such a mind-boggling activity, it helps you vastly by improving your verbal skills, making you solve problems, and forcing your mind to think deeply.
Puzzle lovers are not the only ones saying that doing puzzles makes you happy. It has been scientifically proven that solving jigsaw puzzles enhances your mood and spirits.
And this is done in more ways than one. Dr. Stephan Lermer (Communication Psychologist) has also discovered the same as he says “Firstly, surprising sub-goals are achieved when doing a puzzle.”
“Secondly,” adds Lermer, “there is also the overall result, which symbolizes ‘I did it!’ that can be displayed and brings admiration and recognition.
I like to differentiate between arrogant and healthy pride – people who do puzzles can be proud of themselves in a healthy way.”
Psychology Behind Crossword Puzzles
The real psychology behind puzzles is it was initially created by Arthur Wynne from Liverpool when he thought a new game should be developed that has to be interesting and becomes a part of a popular newspaper.
That publication on December 21, 1913, just before Christmas became an overnight success and many people bought that newspaper only to solve the puzzle
Well, the rest is history.
There is a lot behind these crosswords. The crossword constructors develop them today to enhance individuals’ learning ability, retention power, vocabulary, logical reasoning skill, and analytical skills.
It has now been considered as a brain game that helps to exercise the mind.
Besides these, here are the benefits that you should consider.
1) It Avoids Alzheimer & Dementia
This is one of the main reasons for solving crossword puzzles. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, a daily dose of crossword puzzles is the best way to keep the brain active and sharp, especially as you grow older.
2) They trigger bonding if solved in a group.
Collaborative cruciverbalism means working together in a group.
This group that will solve crossword puzzles can be friend’s group, family group etc. Working in group while solving puzzles will “improve the speed of thinking and talking.” It can also strengthen social bonds.
3) They teach new words.
This is a great way to improve your vocabulary. Through crosswords, you are learning new words constantly.
When you don’t know the meaning of a word, you can explore the dictionary and add it to your vocabulary.
4) They engage you deeply
Whenever you are solving crossword puzzles, you should dig deeper into the problem at hand.
This clearly means you are less focused on your own problems. Playing online word games is a great way to relax and forget your worries for a little while.
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