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for reducing anxiety than supposedly relaxing activities like watching TV or shopping. Puzzles Can Improve Memory Solving puzzles helps to reinforce existing connections between our brain cells. Doing so also increases the generation of new relationships among those cells, thereby improving mental speed and thought processes. Puzzles are especially good for improving short-term memory that helps us to remember shapes and colours and to visualize the ‘bigger picture.’ Looking for a will or a power of attorney? Willful can assist you by guiding you through creating customized legal documents online. Receive 25% off Premium or Couple’s Plan. Puzzles Enhance Verbal Skills The mental task of putting words together in a puzzle can improve language skills. An Irish study Visit edvantage.ca/See-Deals/Willful examined a group of university students who to redeem this offer. For all deals: edvantage.ca did one simple crossword puzzle per day for four weeks. The group members noticeably improved 2019-04-18 their verbal communication skills compared to EdvanageAd-Willful.indd 1 those who did not do any puzzles. Puzzles Make a Great Social Activity Word puzzles don’t always have to be completed alone. Researchers at Yale University found that giving people the opportunity to work together to solve puzzles allowed them to improve relationships as well as their abilities to cooperate to finish a task. Research has shown that working as part of a team can improve speed of thinking and talking. Teamwork can also strengthen collaboration and dispute-resolution skills. Doing puzzles with others can be a great way to bond and share experiences. As an added bonus, everyone gets the same health benefits while creating happy memories together. Try one today — try mine ● 2:38 PM Get 20% off our rejuvenating skin care products made with organic ingredients that nourish and protect. Visit edvantage.ca/See-Deals/Cocoon-Apothecary to redeem this offer. For all deals: edvantage.ca news&views SUMMER 2019 | 7 EdvanageAd-Cocoonapothecary.indd 1 2019-04-18 2:39 PM