Residents doing a crossword puzzleSometimes the simplest activities can bring us the most pleasure! Take crossword puzzles for example. There is something so relaxing about sitting down with a cup of coffee or tea and filling in a crossword puzzle. If you need a crossword puzzle to complete, stop by the crossword puzzle table next to the Activity office and pick up a crossword puzzle book or, better yet, add some letters to the community crossword puzzle.

If you love doing crossword puzzles, there is good news for you! Your favorite pastime is not just fun, it is also great for your mind, body, and spirit. If you haven’t made crossword puzzles part of your routine, here are some reasons why you should consider doing so.

  • Crossword Puzzles Keep Your Brain Sharp and May Help To Prevent Alzheimer’s
    Engaging in activities like crossword puzzles can help protect your brain as you age. An obvious benefit of doing crossword puzzles is that it can help you to build a bigger vocabulary.
  • Crossword Puzzles Can Help Reduce Stress
    Even after retirement, many still face stresses in their life. With everything that is going on in our world today, we need to find ways to relax. Just like meditation and deep breathing exercises, crossword puzzles can help quiet those voices in our heads, and help us become more relaxed. When we work on a crossword puzzle, we concentrate on just one task. Studies have shown that those little breaks from “the real world” can aid in happier and calmer feelings.
  • Crossword Puzzles Can Keep You Social At Sonoma Hills
    At Sonoma Hills, many residents contribute an answer or two to the large Community Crossword Puzzle on the table next to the activity office. Some gather together to see which answers they know and which ones their friends can help with. What a great way to be social!

So the next time you need a mental boost, find the crossword puzzle in the newspaper or walk down to the Crossword Puzzle table at Sonoma Hills! Your brain will thank you!

Blog written by Debi Kopman, Life Enrichment Director for Sonoma Hills Retirement