Does Sudoku act as a Strong Tool for Focus and Cognitive Enhancement

Originating from Switzerland and later popularized in Japan, Sudoku is the game of logic and reasoning where your objective is to fill a 9×9 grid with digits so that each column, each row and each of the nine 3×3 subgrids contains all the digits from 1 to 9. The beauty of sudoku is that it has simple rules yet complexity in execution which makes it a fun yet challenging puzzle. 

You might be thinking Is sudoku game good for cognitive issues ? Yes, it is and in its earlier stages you might have seen sudoku in your newspapers and magazines but nowadays you can also find different mobile apps that are dedicated to sudoku which cater to different skill levels from beginners to experts. In the digital platforms you will always find some interactive sudoku puzzles that will give you features like hints, timers, difficulty levels and enhance your experience.

But, why should you play sudoku? Does sudoku treat cognitive issues? Yes, it does and sudoku works magic when you want to sharpen your mind and you can also play sudoku for cognitive enhancement. Moreover you should know that solving  a sudoku puzzle will require you to have these three cognitive skills:

• Pattern Recognition 
• Logical Reasoning
• Decision Making 

You can also buy cognitive enhancer meds online.

Understanding Sudoku with its Rules and Strategies

Before we learn more about playing sudoku for focus and cognitive health, we should understand its rules and strategies. 

Rules of Sudoku 

Given below we have mentioned some of the most important rules of sudoku: 

1. Sudoku has a grid of 9×9 matrices.
2. You can only fill the boxes by using numbers between 1 to 9.
3. Each 3×3 block can only contain the number from 1 to 9.
4. Each vertical column should also follow the same rule. 

Strategies to play Sudoku 

Sudoku players strictly adhere to its rules and you should also follow the given strategies to change your gaming style because each number that you place on the puzzle resonates to its dimensions. And, the following are some of the most used strategies of sudoku:

•  Using Single Possibility Method – With this strategy all you have to do is identify cells with only one plausible number which becomes a strategic pivot. This method moves you forward by solving the puzzle’s complexity. 
• Elimination Strategies- A complex network of deductions allows you to eliminate impossible candidates. The systematic analysis gives you permission to eliminate the number that violates the rule. 

Why Cognitive Health Matters To Older Adults And Millennials

The Science Behind Sudoku: Its effect on our cognitive abilities

Here are some of the ways through which sudoku act as a strong tool to treat cognitive abilities:

1. Gives cognitive benefits

All research conducted on sudoku says that it has a positive impact on our brain health and if you try to solve this puzzle you open up your doors for:

Logical Thinking

Quick Thinking

You become a logical thinker by analyzing the grid, its discern patterns and making deductions through which your prefrontal cortex gets activated which sharpens your decision making and problem solving skills. And, when you progress from easier to challenging puzzles it sharpens your quick thinking  abilities and increases your cognitive agility.

2. Has Cognitive Flexibility and Neuroplasticity

Solving sudoku brings out your cognitive flexibility. Because after doing this you shift gears, adapt strategies and look out for different approaches which makes your brain more active and adaptable. 

On the other hand, playing sudoku also encourages neuroplasticity. Your brain adapts and rebuild itself as you come across new challenges. It’s like your brain is surprised with every move and each move works on strengthening your neural pathways. 

3. Reduce Cognitive Issues like stress and promotes mental engagement

Solving sudoku works as a stress-buster because it diverts your attention from external stressors and allows you to focus on the puzzle. This mental redirection solves different cognitive issues like anxiety. Once you crack the code of each sudoku cell, your brain starts releasing endorphins which is a natural mood enhancer. Therefore these tiny victories help you solve bigger problems and give you stress relief.

Not only this, but the addictive nature of sudoku promotes mental engagement and keeps you and your brain hooked with hundreds of twists and turns in this puzzle. While your brain is hooked with the game it also forges new connections which works on stretching your cognitive muscles. 

Conclusion

We believe that you have understood, sudoku is more than a fun game. Sudoku works on sharpening your memory, builds up your focus and guides you on how you can treat your cognitive issues. 

Also Read: Can I Manage Blood Pressure While Taking Cognitive Meds