29 January is National Puzzle Day – the perfect opportunity to exercise those brain muscles!
Whether it be a crossword puzzle, jigsaw, word searches, brain teasers or Sudoku – puzzles put our brains to work by stimulating them and keeping them active. Studies have found that we use both sides of the brain when doing a jigsaw puzzle. Spending time working on puzzles daily improves memory, cognitive function and problem-solving skills.
The obvious benefits of doing word searches and crossword puzzles are an increase in vocabulary and language skills. Sudoku exercises the brain by testing memory and logical thinking and improves number skills.
Jodi Jill started National Puzzle Day in 2002 as a way to share her enjoyment of puzzles. As a syndicated newspaper puzzle-maker and professional quiz-maker, she developed classroom lesson plans especially for National Puzzle Day and their popularity has grown year after year.
To celebrate today, invite over some friends or family and spend the day putting together a jigsaw puzzle, or grab a cup of coffee and complete a Sudoku or crossword puzzle.
Use #NationalPuzzleDay to post on social media.
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