Try solving this brain teaser, and learn about the many benefits of regularly doing puzzles

Brain teasers have surged in popularity across social media platforms, captivating millions with their clever puzzles and mind-bending challenges. The appeal lies not just in the satisfaction of solving a puzzle, but in the engaging way they exercise our minds. As more people discover the joy and benefits of tackling these mental gymnastics, brain teasers have evolved from mere pastimes to valuable tools for cognitive enhancement. 

Why not join the trend and give your brain a playful challenge with one?

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You might find yourself hooked on the intellectual thrill, all while potentially boosting your problem-solving skills and keeping your mind sharp. So the next time you scroll past a brain teaser, take a moment to engage – your brain just might thank you for it.

Neha Cadabam, senior psychologist and executive director at Cadabams Hospitals, says, “Taking a moment to challenge our brains with a brain teaser can feel like a welcome mental respite. But beyond the immediate satisfaction of solving a puzzle, these little brain teasers might be doing a lot more for us than we realise.” 

Effect of brain teasers on cognitive function in adults

Cadabam explains, “Our brains, like any other muscle in our bodies, require exercise to stay sharp. Daily brain teasers serve as a mental workout, engaging different cognitive processes and pathways, which can have a remarkable impact on cognitive function, especially as we age.”

Brain teasers challenge your memory by requiring you to recall information, patterns, or previous experiences, she says. This active engagement strengthens neural connections, potentially slowing down age-related memory decline.

“Solving puzzles demands sustained attention and focus. Regularly engaging with brain teasers can train your brain to filter distractions and improve your concentration abilities. Brain teasers present unique challenges that require creative problem-solving and critical thinking. This exercise helps maintain cognitive flexibility and adaptability.” notes Cadabam.

Focusing on a puzzle can be a form of mindfulness, diverting your attention from daily worries and creating a state of mental flow. (Source: Freepik)

Psychological benefits of regularly solving brain teasers

Beyond the cognitive boost, Cadabam stresses that brain teasers offer a range of psychological benefits that can enhance overall well-being. “Focusing on a puzzle can be a form of mindfulness, diverting your attention from daily worries and creating a state of mental flow. This can lead to a reduction in stress and anxiety levels, promoting relaxation and mental clarity,” she says. 

Brain teasers at work: A productivity hack?

Cadabam agrees that taking a short break from work to engage in a brain teaser allows your mind to rest and recharge. “This mental break can help prevent mental fatigue and improve focus when you return to your tasks.”

Solving puzzles stimulates creative thinking and encourages you to approach problems from different angles. This boost in creativity can spark new ideas and solutions in work, while also providing relief from any stress.

Specific types of brain teasers that are more effective

Different types of brain teasers can target various cognitive skills and offer unique benefits, Cadabam remarks. These are:

Logic Puzzles and Riddles: These challenge your analytical thinking and deductive reasoning skills. They can enhance your problem-solving abilities and promote a sense of mental clarity.

Word Puzzles and Crosswords: These expand your vocabulary, improve your verbal fluency, and engage your memory and language centers.

Visual Puzzles and Spatial Reasoning Games: These enhance your spatial awareness and visualisation skills, which can be beneficial in fields like architecture, design, and engineering.

Math Puzzles and Sudoku: These strengthen your numerical and logical reasoning skills, improving your ability to analyse and interpret data.

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