The Benefits of Daily Game Playing
Welcome back to Sage Space!
Hi Sage Space readers - welcome back from the 4th of July!
With the heat wave affecting many parts of the country, staying cool indoors is a good choice. And to make the most of that time, this week we explore how our favorite daily word games and puzzles keep us entertained and mentally sharp.
Are there any "Jeopardy!" or "Wheel of Fortune" watchers out there? That line up is still wildly popular and a fun way to unwind from the day and challenge our minds.
I will admit I feel pretty darn smart sometimes watching "Wheel of Fortune” (does it still count when you solve the puzzle with almost every letter filled in!) 😊
Have a great week everyone!
Cathy
Co-founder and CEO – Wisdom.io
cathy@mywisdom.io
This week…
Have you ever felt guilty about prioritizing the daily crossword or wordle game? Well it turns out daily game playing as an adult has some serious health benefits! And these benefits might be different than you think…
Refresh your Brain
One of the biggest benefits of playing a daily game is the break it gives your mind. Aaron Seitz, a professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, says “Puzzles are one kind of a mental break during the day that basically helps people switch between activities. The next time you hit a writer's block or are stuck trying to solve a problem – try solving a puzzle or a playing a game to give your brain time to recharge on the issue before diving back in!
Put both sides to work!
Puzzles are one of the unique activities that engage both sides of the brain, encouraging bilateral stimulation! The left side of your brain focuses on patterns and sequences, while the right works at completing the entire picture. This constant back and forth leads to a complete mental workout that builds and reinforces neural connections. This kind of activity encourages better long-term communication between the two sides of the brain.
Keeping up with the Game Community!
One of the best aspects of participating in a daily puzzle is the community it creates. Chatting with friends and family about how tough 2-across in today’s puzzle was or sharing how quickly you beat today’s wordle on Facebook is a form of social bonding! In today’s world where we might not always be able to be close to our loved ones physically, these daily games are an amazing channel to keep us all connected.
Fun fact!
Historically board games have been used for a lot more than to just challenge your brain! In World War II, the Allies smuggled maps, compasses, and files to POWs by hiding them in Monopoly sets.
Quote of the Day
“The nice thing about doing a crossword puzzle is, you know there is a solution.” - Stephen Sondheim
Ask Puddy
What games do you guys like playing?
I personally like The NY Times Crossword.
Send me yours!
-puddy@mywisdom.io
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