10 Benefits of Doing Word Search
Lifehack Skill Plus Over 20 Word Search Book Recommendations
Recently, I have found doing a word search to be very therapeutic and calming. And I am not talking about the digital kind. I am talking about the good old-fashioned paper book word searches with a pencil!
Yes, they still have those out there! I don't know what it is about searching for a word or phrase, either forward, backward, or diagonally; that's my busy mind, and it quiets like a hypnotist.
Plus, my advantage of being dyslexic is that seeing these words from different angles makes it easier for me to find them.
I remember my Nana sitting in bed and working on word searches into her early 90s. As a child, I thought it would be incredibly boring watching her search for words, but now, in my 50s, I find myself seeking my word search books. I decided to look to see what benefits I get from completing word searches.
BRAIN HEALTH
I'm always exploring ways to strengthen my brain, and word searches are simple yet powerful tools.
When you focus on finding the words in a grid filled with letters, you're not just passing time by; you're sharpening your memory, practicing flexible thinking, and training your brain to see patterns and words in new ways. It's a fun challenge: it simply involves using your eyes to seek out hidden words while blocking distractions. Below, I explain why this activity offers very big benefits to your brain.
FOCUS
Finding words within letters will require focus and concentration. You must also work on ignoring distractions and being laser-sharp on the word you are looking for.
MEMORY
As you look at your list of words and begin to seek them out, your short-term memory is improving by you holding on to one or more words. This can translate into real life when grocery shopping or following directions. Your long-term memory is also being strengthened as you may come across words from the past that can jog your memory to make a connection to that word.
SEEKING PATTERNS
As I mentioned above, having the words laid out differently can boost your problem-solving skills and flex that sequencing muscle in your brain.
BUILDING VOCABULARY AND SPELLING
Many word search books have categories such as "Going To The Beach," "Hockey Teams," "Spices," "Travel," etc. These categories will expose you to possible new vocabulary words and give you the chance to work on improving your spelling skills.
RELAXATION
I find this one the most fascinating. As someone who experiences anxiety, I really find that doing a word search quiets my mind.
When working on a word search, your mind fully engages in the activity. It is most important when doing a paper book word search versus doing it on the iPhone or iPad. You risk getting notifications that can distract you and take you out of the present moment.
I think that is so great about word searches; you stay in the present moment with this repetitive task, which can increase your calming state.
As you concentrate on the word search, your heart rate and breathing slow down, which triggers your parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation. This is similar to the effects of meditation or yoga.
POSITIVE EMOTIONS
Anytime a puzzle is fully completed, a sense of accomplishment overtakes your brain. This will release the "feel good" neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine can give your mood a lift and battle your stress hormones.
REDUCES OVERSTIMULATION
I, for one, know how much digital time is part of my life. It's important to find a balance to the fast-paced fix we get in the digital world. Doing word searches will provide a slower, controlled activity for your brain, quieting the overstimulation that can build stress in your body.
SENSE OF CONTROL
When we are stressed, it stems from a feeling or fear of being out of control. Recently, I had a medical produced, and instead of being on my phone, I did word search after word search until I was called in. Having this kind of access to a predictable challenge gave me a sense of control and blocked out racing thoughts.
NON-DEMANDING
With a word search, you don't need to finish it right away. You can take your time because it's a low-pressure activity. There is no stopwatch, no need to feel a fear of failure; it's just there for you when you need some quiet time.
EXPLORE AND ESCAPE
You can take a "break" from your daily routine and stressful life with word searches. Let the words take your brain into another world where you can escape overwhelming thoughts, giving you a much-needed mental reset.
Many word search books are selling on Amazon. These are not affiliated links; these are just a great collection of word search books that I highly recommend and look fun.
General Word Searches
KAPPA Super Saver LARGE PRINT Word Search Puzzle Pack-Set of 9 Carry-Along Digest Size Books
Challenge Accepted!: 100 Word Searches
Brain Games - Dogs Word Search Puzzles
Brain Games - National Parks Word Search Puzzles: Puzzles That Celebrate the American Outdoors
Back To The Past & History
Food
Botanical
Calming
Brain Games - Stress Free: Word Search Puzzles
Large Print Inspirational Word Search for Women
Brain Games - Large Print Bible Word Search: The Words of Jesus
Seasonal
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I hope you found something interesting about my article and try this health activity. Thank you for reading.
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