Here at Strong Women, we’ve written a lot about what goes into having a healthy brain. It’s a complex organ, so you might not be surprised to learn that many factors can influence how healthy it is, including diet, exercise and genetics.

Of course, many of these factors can also influence the other organs in the body; regular exercise will keep our heart and lungs functioning well, and eating a fibre-rich, diverse diet is key for good gut health. But there is one other thing experts believe we can do to support our brain health that’s completely unique: building our cognitive reserve.

Based on the idea that keeping your mind active can help to protect your brain from decline and damage, cognitive reserve theory suggests that several activities can help us to keep our brains healthy – including challenging the brain with hobbies and puzzles.

“Participation in mentally stimulating activities such as reading, playing musical instruments and engaging in hobbies has been linked to a higher cognitive reserve,” Dr Steve Allder, consultant neurologist at the private mental health centre Re:Cognition Health, previously told Strong Women. “These activities can help to maintain and enhance cognitive functions over time.”

While we might not all have time to pick up a completely new hobby, a simple way to reap the benefits of mental stimulation is by making a quick puzzle part of your daily routine. But how can puzzles help to support our brain health and overall wellbeing? Let’s take a closer look.  

Studies have shown time and time again just how affective puzzling can be for our brains, especially as we age. One study published in the journal Neurology back in 2021 found that cognitive activity like completing puzzles can delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease by five years among those aged 80 or older, while another published in JAMA Open in 2023 found that frequently engaging in activities that challenge the brain – like crossword puzzles – led to a lower risk of developing dementia.

In fact, crossword puzzles in particular have been shown to be incredibly effective; a study published in NEJM Evidence in 2022 found that people with pre-existing memory problems who completed web-based crossword puzzles showed an improvement in their cognition.

It’s believed puzzles do this by helping to facilitate connections between brain cells and improve our short-term memory, as well as enhancing the prefrontal cortex – the part of the brain responsible for thinking, decision making, concentration and problem-solving.  

It’s for this reason that they’re good for building that all-important cognitive reserve in people who aren’t struggling with mental decline, as well as helping those who are already affected.

Not only can puzzles help you build that cognitive reserve, but they’re also great stress relievers. Studies have shown that completing puzzles can boost levels of the feel-good hormone dopamine and help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety in the process.

So, whether you’re looking for a quick and easy way to shake off stress or want to take proactive steps to protect your brain health, then adding a puzzle break into your daily routine could be the way to go. It’s the perfect way to combine relaxation with something that’s good for you, all while having a bit of fun. Truly, what’s not to love?

Downloading the new Puzzler app – available in both the Apple and Google Play stores – is a great way to make puzzling part of your routine. With 16 different types of puzzles on offer, ranging from crosswords and sudoku to logic puzzles such as ‘make tracks’ and battleships, it truly has something for everyone. Plus, it’s completely free to download. 

Images: Getty