Cryptic crosswords are quite the rage. They’re everywhere – at the office, on holiday, in the waiting room, at the airport, and even in our homes! You might have wondered, hat’s the magic behind these puzzles?’ Why are so many consumed with solving them?
Before tackling that million-dollar question, let’s take a quick peek at the society in which we live. Bombarded with social media, cell phone notifications, and all manner of mobile device overload, we’re constantly receiving information. In this era where FOMO (ear of missing out’) reigns supreme, we’re encouraged to continually consume countless amounts of material. It’s overwhelming and our brains need a rest!
ENTER CRYPTIC CROSSWORDS.
Offering an opportunity for mental self-care, these magnificent puzzles do more than just promote a sense of stillness. They also center mindfulness through extended focus and concentration. Who couldn’t use more help in that department?
But wait, the benefits go further than what I’ve already mentioned. Consider these to get a fuller picture:
* Improved memory
* Stretching the mind’s boundaries
* Learning something new
* Stress reliever
* Social connection (think: colleagues, family, friends)
There’s another crucial component that mustn’t be overlooked when talking about the perks of these puzzles. Looking at their capacity to challenge our brains with new information, this is something very personal to me. As a senior who has become a bit frailer, deciphering a cryptic crossword is music to my mind – they sing to me.
And alongside that singing comes the learning factor.
Trust me, I know what I’m talking about. As a former teacher with 33 years of experience in government secondary schools, I keenly understand the importance of making learning fun. To see the sparkle in the eyes of a student whose brain has made the connection to successfully decode an entire cryptic crossword is sheer joy.
The reasons behind this are multiple. When you start to dissect the setter mindset you begin to comprehend their character, and figuring out how someone thinks is a large part of the game plan. Unraveling the setter’s backstory gives solvers an edge in terms of speed and strategy. It helps the solver to determine the answers more quickly. And if you add to that a puzzle where multiple people are collaborating together, the social aspect too offers its own rewards.
So, back to that initial question surrounding the immense popularity of cryptic crosswords. Certainly, you can now see more clearly what the hype is all about. Everything from stimulating our brain cells through active learning to even improving our social interactions, cryptic puzzles take problem-solving to another level. I should know – thanks to its addictive inspiration, I’ve spent nearly 40 years working on them, both individually and with others.
What are you waiting for?
It’s time to get in on the action with cryptics. You might be surprised at what you learn – about yourself and about the world around you. Be prepared – you’ll likely find the hobby bringing you countless smiles and years of satisfying companionship!