The Surprising Benefits of Word Search Puzzles for Writers

From Edie: Stuck in your writing? Word search puzzles can refresh your mind, spark creativity, and improve focus so you return to the page energized.

The Surprising Benefits of Word Search Puzzles for Writers

by Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites

When your creativity needs a jumpstart, try a word search puzzle to challenge your brain, tickle the muses, and invoke some fun moments. If you’re stuck in the middle of a writing project, put it aside briefly, tackle a word search puzzle, then return to your writing. A rejuvenated mind will unleash fresh thoughts and ideas to continue the writing project you’re involved in.

But don’t just take my word for it. Medical professionals list many benefits of word search puzzles.

Word Search Puzzle Benefits for Writers 

• By stimulating critical thinking, word search puzzles require the development of strategies and plans to locate words buried in the puzzle.

• Word search puzzles improve short-term memory. 

• Completing word searches improves the ability to convert data into a specific format needed to complete a task.

• Word search puzzles stimulate pattern recognition as the brain scans the grid for letters and sequences.

• Puzzles improve the ability to retrieve information for a specific purpose.

• Exposure to new words or seldom-used words improves vocabulary.

• Focusing on the task of completing a word search puzzle helps increase concentration by training the brain to tune out distractions.

• Completing or even partially tackling a word search puzzle reduces anxiety and stress by imparting a positive distraction and a sense of accomplishment.

• Engaging in word search puzzles exercises the brain, encouraging mental sharpness.

• The success of locating a word in search puzzles can trigger dopamine release, which acts as a positive reinforcement and increases overall well-being. 

• Word search puzzles build patience and persistence. 

If these benefits aren’t enough reasons to grab a pen, pencil, or computer to tackle a word search puzzle, here’s the best one: They’re FUN!

Word search puzzles abound. My husband and I enjoy them so much that we accepted an assignment from a Penguin Random House imprint to create our newest book, Jumbo Bible Word Search. We’d love for you to check it out. 

You can also find free places online to search to your heart’s content for words hidden with a maze of letters. Here’s one site I found: https://thewordsearch.com/. 

If you want to have some extra fun, create a puzzle of your own and challenge your spouse or kiddos to complete the puzzle. Here’s a site to make your own puzzle: https://puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com/word-search. 

If you’re puzzled over the next words or paragraphs in your current WIP, take a writing break, complete a word search puzzle, and harness the creative juices that are bound to flow following your search! 

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The Surprising Benefits of Word Search Puzzles for Writers from @JLavenderWrites on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Julie and David Lavender just received author copies of Jumbo Bible Word Search, and they plan to incorporate their latest project into a date-night. “We’ll each get a book, or maybe I’ll just make a copy of one of the puzzles, and we’ll race to see who can complete the puzzle first,” Julie said. She admitted her hubby’s pretty competitive, so she expects him to win. “But I’ll have fun trying to outwit him anyway.”

Jumbo Bible Word Search: Stimulate Your Mind and Grow in Faith

by David & Julie Lavender

Boost your brain and uncover God’s Word in Jumbo Bible Word Search.

With extra-large font size and spacious layouts, Jumbo Bible Word Search is designed for comfortable readability. These engaging word searches invite adults and seniors to discover or revisit familiar illustrations of God’s true love. Based on Bible stories, Christian teachings, and scripture verses, these puzzles are a fun and wholesome way to keep minds active! Perfect as a gift or for travel, waiting rooms, or the comfort of home, this book has something for every faithful puzzle enthusiast, new or pro.

• LARGE CLEAR TEXT: Our jumbo print is extra-large so adults and seniors can have uninterrupted fun without eye strain. 
• PLENTIFUL PUZZLES: With an assorted mix of search words through biblical themes, verses, and stories, varied puzzle categories are designed to engage the mind! Explore the many names of God, find and seek comfort in Jesus’ promise to his followers, rejoice with words celebrating Christ’s resurrection, and more! 
• ENRICHING BIBLE KNOWLEDGE: Expand scripture expertise with familiar and not-so-familiar Bible stories, verses, and themes from the Old and New Testament.
• ENCOURAGING FAITH: Affirming messages invite and remind readers that God’s love is always near. 
• INWARD SEARCH: Puzzles are paired with scripture references to inspire and encourage readers to dig deeper for hidden gems in God’s Word 
• SUPPORTS COGNITIVE FUNCTION: Adult brain teaser activities like word search puzzles engage areas of cognitive function, including problem- solving skills; making connections; enhancing memory, focus, and concentration; strengthening mental agility; expanding vocabulary; reinforcing spelling; and more.