It may seem odd, but one of the great things to embrace in life is puzzles.  Whether you prefer crosswords, sudoku or any of the other puzzles out there, they can all provide more than a fun past-time.

Stay Sharp

The first benefit of puzzles and mental challenges is that they help you stay sharp.  This may seem like just more work.  However, one of the keys to good health is keeping mentally healthy.  There are a lot of positive side effects of good mental health, and that includes things like a general sense of well-being.  It even makes you more likely to be happy.
Although there are a lot of apps that you can use to scratch your puzzle itch, pencil and paper are even better.  Our world of screens and wireless is not always the best way to live, so a break to “unplug” with a puzzle can be refreshing.

Social Benefits

Mental challenges can keep you alert and also help with the various obstacles life throws at you.  Problem-solving skills are one of those skills that can be applied throughout life.  Better yet, the ability to solve puzzles and brain-teasers is a great way to meet people and provide icebreakers at parties.  Give it a shot.  You may find a new favorite way to spend some quiet time.

Rob Broadhead

Rob is a founder of, and frequent contributor to, Develpreneur. This includes the Building Better Developers podcast. He is also a lifetime learner as a developer, designer, and manager of software solutions. Rob is the founder of RB Consulting and has managed to author a book about his family experiences and a few about becoming a better developer. In his free time, he stays busy raising five children (although they have grown into adults). When he has a chance to breathe, he is on the ice playing hockey to relax or working on his ballroom dance skills.

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