Today is National Puzzle Day. I want you to think about how puzzles can benefit your mental health. Doing a crossword puzzle, a word-find or a Jigsaw puzzle helps us focus our attention on something other than our problems and it helps us to get out of the downward spiral of perseverating on our worries. Working on a puzzle is a form of mindfulness in that it helps you focus on the present moment rather than your fears. For five days, 30 minutes a day, try working on a Jigsaw puzzle, word find, crossword puzzle or a sudoku. See if it helps you learn to relax and gain insight.
-Jerry Strausbaugh, EdD, LPCCS, Executive Director
