Smartle Blog
← Back to the list of articles
Some time ago we posted an article Why Smartle is actually good for you about how playing crossword and wordsearch puzzles is beneficial for overall well being. We got quite a lot of reactions for that post and this time we would like to explore more the mental health advantages of playing wordfinder games, the impact on brain waves, and even talk a bit about the intriguing phenomenon of theta-gamma coupling in our future posts.
Word finding games like Smartle not only provide a fun and engaging experience but also offer significant benefits for mental health. Among the various word puzzle games, our daily word search game challenges players to rearrange letters and find multiple words on a 5x5 grid.
Life is stressful nowadays and all we want sometimes is just to have peaceful, stress-free moments. Daily word puzzle games provide just that — an oasis where time seems to slow down as we immerse ourselves in the challenge of finding words hidden in a 5x5 grid. The focus required to solve puzzles draws us away from the hustle and bustle, creating a serene and meditative experience. As the stressors of the outside world fade away, we find ourselves in a state of tranquility, basking in the joy of the puzzle-solving journey.
What do alpha waves have to do with words, games and word puzzles? Alpha waves were first discovered by Hans Berger, a German psychiatrist, and neurologist, in 1924. Berger was a pioneer in a technique that measures electrical activity in the brain. He made a groundbreaking discovery of alpha waves by recording brainwave patterns using electrodes placed on the human scalp.
Berger named these brainwave oscillations "alpha waves" because they appeared to be the most prominent in the brain's resting state. Alpha waves are most commonly observed when a person is awake but in a relaxed and calm state, such as when peacefully solving word puzzles and playing crosswords.
Today, alpha waves association with relaxation and mindfulness continues to intrigue scientists and practitioners alike, highlighting the importance of these brainwave oscillations in promoting mental well-being.
Research has shown that playing wordsearch and crossword puzzles can induce alpha brain waves, leading to a more harmonious state of mind. Alpha waves put the mind at ease, allowing us to savor each moment of the puzzle-solving process without feeling rushed or pressured. In this blissful state, we find mental clarity and balance, making room for creative thoughts and imaginative solutions, contributing to a sense of tranquility and focus during word puzzle gameplay.
Playing word puzzle games can promote production of not only alpha but also other waves which are associated with a relaxed and calm state, often also experienced during meditation or mindfulness practices. We will write about other types of waves and their connection to wordfinder games in our next articles.
Playing easy words search games offers a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, thanks to our brain's release of dopamine — the feel-good neurotransmitter. As we successfully uncover words and come higher in the leaderboard, dopamine rewards our efforts with a delightful sensation. This rewarding experience further reinforces our desire to return to word puzzle games as a calming escape from the stressors of daily life. Puzzles and word games become a great companion, always ready to take us away to a place of relaxation and joy.
In a world that encourages constant connectivity, puzzles and word games provide a rare opportunity to disconnect from the digital noise. The simple act of focusing on the puzzle, away from notifications and distractions, allows us to fully engage in the present moment. This mindful immersion creates a break from the information overload, giving our minds a chance to find balance.
In the captivating world of word puzzle games, such as Smartle, we find more than just a game. We discover a pathway to relaxation and stress relief, where alpha waves envelop us in a cocoon of calmness. As dopamine rewards our accomplishments, we learn to appreciate the power of disconnecting from the outside chaos.
So, the next time you seek moments of serenity and peace try playing wordsearch and crossword puzzles. Immerse yourself in the therapeutic journey, where the challenging word search puzzles lead you to a tranquil state of mind.
As we mentioned above, alpha waves are not the only beneficial states of the brain which can be achieved by playing daily word challenges and easy word search games. Read our next article where we explore Theta and Gamma waves, and the one about the phenomena of Theta-Gamma Coupling.