Problem-solving is a skill that is useful to have as it can be applied in your everyday life. Whether you need to resolve a challenging issue in the workplace, resolve the family feuds at home, or figure out how to get your child’s favorite figurine out of the sink pipe, it is definitely a skill you will use often. There are fun ways that you can train your brain to get better at problem-solving outside of real-life scenarios. This could include playing games with family and friends, as well as engaging in certain activities which can be enjoyable. Playing games that require the use of logic, reasoning, and trivia are also a great way to build your mental strength. On that note, this article will list a couple of games and activities that you can consider next time you’re looking for something mentally challenging to do.
Chess
There is a chance that you have heard about chess or have even had the opportunity to play it before. Chess, however, is more than a game where there’s a checkered board in between two people who seem to be endlessly contemplating their next move. Playing chess is a way of remaining alert as well as staying mentally fit. Seeing as it’s a great way to stimulate neurological activity, it’s often referred to as “the school of the mind.†Some of the benefits of playing chess include learning to master visualization, methodical thinking, sharpening your memory, and increasing your concentration. These are key skills to acquire in this technological age where attention spans seem to be shortening, and gadgets seem to be gradually replacing our memory. Your brain is said to be the most important organ in your body, so it’s a great way to help this organ function at its highest capability.
Scrabble
When you think of Scrabble, the first thing that probably comes to mind is a classic word association game that requires an extensive vocabulary to be good at. Although the primary focus may seem to be how many words you can come up with, scrabble is argued to be a game which requires strategy as opposed to the knowledge of different words alone. Apparently, to win a good old game of Scrabble, you’ll need spatial organization, risk, and good attention to detail. Playing Scrabble can teach you important lessons relating to leadership and thinking strategically, which include using what you have to your best ability, building on what’s gone before, letting go of what you don’t need, the need to open up, capitalizing on your surroundings, and, of course, problem-solving. It is almost impossible to ignore the fact that you’ll learn new words that you can add to your vocabulary as an added bonus. All of these lessons are valuable ones that can be applied to real-life scenarios and help you in managing people, projects, and challenges.
Escape The Room
If you don’t revel in the idea of sitting in one spot and playing games, a more out of the box approach to building mental strength in a fun way may be an Escape the Room game. The Greek legend of the Gordian Knott is usually a point of reference when looking at the origins of this nature of creative strategizing. These single-player computer puzzle-solving logic games are a more solitary activity, but nevertheless, still an adventurous way of keeping your mind active. After playing an escape the room game, you might find that you want to try an escape room game, which is far more interactive, isn’t usually played with a computer, and can be done with a group of friends. Overall, these games will give you a thrill and make you explore your detective skills as you’ll need to solve a problem using the tools and clues provided.
Sudoku
Playing a game such as Sudoku is another way to keep yourself mentally sharp. For those who have never played before, this game is a number puzzle that can be likened to a crossword puzzle which originates from Japan. Similar to Escape the Room, this game is also designed for a single player. Playing Sudoku has many benefits such as helping prevent mental decline which can occur as we age, as well as improving our ability to think, learn and remember. Seeing as, like chess, you have to think three or four steps ahead, it is a great way to train your brain and keep it in a healthy state. Lastly, playing this game can also bring a sense of calm, provide an escape from all of the noise, and it’s a suitable game for all ages.
Crossword Puzzles
Like all of the other games mentioned above, crossword puzzles are a way to keep your mental health in a positive state. It is likely that you often see them in newspapers or sold on the shelves in local shops, so consider playing one next time you see it in a newspaper. Crosswords are an activity that can be done individually or with a group as a competition, but either way, it should get you thinking. Some benefits of this game include its ability to help avoid or alleviate Alzheimer’s, as well as its ability to strengthen your problem-solving skills and improve your vocabulary. In addition, doing crossword puzzles regularly is also said to be a way to ward off dementia which can be developed as you age.
Staying mentally fit is just as important as making sure that you’re physically fit. Mental fitness means keeping your brain as well as your emotional health in good shape, and the benefits of doing this will often be seen in your disposition, your health, and your overall wellbeing. The good thing is, playing certain games and engaging in specific activities is a great way of ensuring that your mind is active and you remain mentally strong. Outsmarting people can also be a lot of fun if you enjoy friendly competition.  In conclusion, your love for problem-solving is one that has many benefits, many of which relate to mental health. Keeping yourself busy with the mentioned activities can dramatically increase your quality of life in the foreseeable future and beyond.
