Crossword Puzzles: Not Just for Fun, but Good for Your Brain

Crossword puzzles have been a staple past-time for a century, if not more.

According to http://www.crosswordtournament.com/more/wynne.html, crossword puzzles first appeared in England around 1913, when journalist Arthur Wynne from Liverpool published the first known (published) crossword puzzle. Over the years, the crossword puzzle has taken on various layouts, but the concept has remained pretty much the same.

I have been an avid crossword puzzle(and other word game) enthusiast for many years. I don't think I could count the word-game books I have filled up. People are always giving me new ones for birthday and holiday gifts, as they know I am a fan. I truly enjoy word games, and crossword puzzles always seem to provide that "back to basics" retreat when some of the other, perhaps more complicated and mind-taxing word games (i.e., Cryptograms, Jumbles, etc.) are just a bit too much to wrestle with.

Crossword puzzle "difficulty" covers the gamut; from the very simple to the extremely difficult! I never liked anything TOO difficult, as those usually just gave me a headache. I prefer to keep my brain in a relaxed state if I can, so I stay with the level I'm comfortable with (NO...not the very simple ones, either!). I usually look for those that I can at least work with...some of the New York Times or Boston Globe crossword puzzles are just a bit out of my league, I'm afraid!

One of the most rewarding things I have appreciated about enjoying crossword puzzles (et al.) is the learning experience and mental 'exercise' I get from it.

Crossword puzzles teach many new words, new meanings, and new understandings of words.
Crossword puzzles exhibit other, more subtle relationships between words as well, such as letter commonalities between words, etc.
Crossword puzzles teach about letter usage; which letters are used most, and which least.
Crossword puzzles teach "organizational skills", in that it's often necessary to work back and forth between the "Across" and "Down" definitions to solve the puzzle.
Crossword puzzles teach a little about "patience", in that it becomes necessary at times to take a deep breath, close your eyes, and reestablish your focus!
Crossword puzzles provide that often needed "break from reality". Sinking yourself into a good crossword puzzle or other word game is akin to reading a good book at times. You can get lost there! And that's OK!
Crossword puzzles provide much needed "mental exercises", which may keep the brain healthier, longer.

I must say that word games in general have been one of MY personal favorite hobbies, and crossword puzzles have been one of my "staple" word-games for just about as long as I can remember. I always enjoyed English courses in school, and even won several spelling bees in grammar school. I also enjoy writing (poetry, articles, song lyrics/music, short stories, etc.), and I enjoy other "creative arts" as well, so I would have to say crossword puzzles are a natural fit for me.

Maybe I should have saved all those filled-up crossword puzzle and other word-game books. Who knows? There may be collectors out there who would love to have them!