10 Benefits of Doing Word Search
Lifehack Skill Plus Over 20 Word Search Book Recommendations
Recently, I have found doing a word search to be very therapeutic and calming. And I am not talking about the digital kind. I am talking about the good old-fashioned paper book word searches with a pencil!
Yes, they still have those out there! I don't know what it is about searching for a word or phrase, either forward, backward, or diagonally; that's my busy mind, and it quiets like a hypnotist.
Plus, my advantage of being dyslexic is that seeing these words from different angles makes it easier for me to find them.
I remember my Nana sitting in bed and working on word searches into her early 90s. As a child, I thought it would be incredibly boring watching her search for words, but now, in my 50s, I find myself seeking my word search books. I decided to look to see what benefits I get from completing word searches.
BRAIN HEALTH
I'm always exploring ways to strengthen my brain, and word searches are simple yet powerful tools.
When you focus on finding the words in a grid filled with letters, you're not just passing time by; you're sharpening your memory, practicing flexible thinking, and training your brain to see patterns and words in new ways. It's a fun challenge: it simply involves using your eyes to seek out hidden words while blocking distractions. Below, I explain why this activity offers very big benefits to your brain.
FOCUS
Finding words within letters will require focus and concentration. You must also work on ignoring distractions and being laser-sharp on the word you are looking for.
MEMORY
As you look at your list of words and begin to seek them out, your short-term memory is improving by you holding on to one or more words. This can translate into real life when grocery shopping or following directions. Your long-term memory is also being strengthened as you may come across words from the past that can jog your memory to make a connection to that word.
SEEKING PATTERNS
As I mentioned above, having the words laid out differently can boost your problem-solving skills and flex that sequencing muscle in your brain.
BUILDING VOCABULARY AND SPELLING
Many word search books have categories such as "Going To The Beach," "Hockey Teams," "Spices," "Travel," etc. These categories will expose you to possible new vocabulary words and give you the chance to work on improving your spelling skills.
RELAXATION
I find this one the most fascinating. As someone who experiences anxiety, I really find that doing a word search quiets my mind.
When working on a word search, your mind fully engages in the activity. It is most important when doing a paper book word search versus doing it on the iPhone or iPad. You risk getting notifications that can distract you and take you out of the present moment.
I think that is so great about word searches; you stay in the present moment with this repetitive task, which can increase your calming state.
As you concentrate on the word search, your heart rate and breathing slow down, which triggers your parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation. This is similar to the effects of meditation or yoga.
POSITIVE EMOTIONS
Anytime a puzzle is fully completed, a sense of accomplishment overtakes your brain. This will release the "feel good" neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine can give your mood a lift and battle your stress hormones.
REDUCES OVERSTIMULATION
I, for one, know how much digital time is part of my life. It's important to find a balance to the fast-paced fix we get in the digital world. Doing word searches will provide a slower, controlled activity for your brain, quieting the overstimulation that can build stress in your body.
SENSE OF CONTROL
When we are stressed, it stems from a feeling or fear of being out of control. Recently, I had a medical produced, and instead of being on my phone, I did word search after word search until I was called in. Having this kind of access to a predictable challenge gave me a sense of control and blocked out racing thoughts.
NON-DEMANDING
With a word search, you don't need to finish it right away. You can take your time because it's a low-pressure activity. There is no stopwatch, no need to feel a fear of failure; it's just there for you when you need some quiet time.
EXPLORE AND ESCAPE
You can take a "break" from your daily routine and stressful life with word searches. Let the words take your brain into another world where you can escape overwhelming thoughts, giving you a much-needed mental reset.
Many word search books are selling on Amazon. These are not affiliated links; these are just a great collection of word search books that I highly recommend and look fun.
General Word Searches
KAPPA Super Saver LARGE PRINT Word Search Puzzle Pack-Set of 9 Carry-Along Digest Size Books
Challenge Accepted!: 100 Word Searches
Brain Games - Dogs Word Search Puzzles
Brain Games - National Parks Word Search Puzzles: Puzzles That Celebrate the American Outdoors
Back To The Past & History
Food
Botanical
Calming
Brain Games - Stress Free: Word Search Puzzles
Large Print Inspirational Word Search for Women
Brain Games - Large Print Bible Word Search: The Words of Jesus
Seasonal
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I hope you found something interesting about my article and try this health activity. Thank you for reading.
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Day 4 of Quitting
If this is how sobriety feels, maybe it’s better to go through life a little buzzed… this, along with other hits like, I want to kill myself, I wish I was dead, and I’m going to throw myself off a bridge have been the only thoughts on rotation these past few days. I promise myself that if, in a month, I still feel like this (‘this’ meaning despondent, full of rage, and simultaneously numb) I can go back to smoking. Until mid-February though? Nicotine is off the table.
By sleepy drafts6 days ago in Longevity
Many Schools Don’t Think Students Can Read Full Novels Anymore — And That’s a Tragedy
In classrooms across the world, a quiet but troubling shift is taking place. Many schools are scaling back or completely abandoning the teaching of full-length novels, replacing them with excerpts, summaries, or short-form texts. The reasoning often sounds practical: students lack the attention span, reading stamina, or motivation to finish long books. But this growing assumption carries a deeper cost. The decline of novel reading in schools is not just an educational adjustment — it is a cultural and intellectual tragedy. The Shrinking Role of the Novel For generations, novels have been central to education. They taught students empathy, critical thinking, moral reasoning, and the patience required to follow complex ideas over time. From classic literature to modern fiction, full novels allowed young readers to live inside other lives and perspectives. Today, however, many educators report that students struggle to complete even a few chapters. Digital distractions, social media, and fast-paced content have reshaped how young people consume information. In response, schools increasingly favor bite-sized reading materials that align with standardized testing and reduced classroom time. While this may appear efficient, it risks sacrificing depth for convenience. Why Reading Full Novels Still Matters Reading a novel is fundamentally different from reading short texts. A novel demands sustained attention, emotional investment, and intellectual endurance. These are not outdated skills — they are essential ones. When students read a full novel, they learn how to track themes across hundreds of pages, understand character development, and recognize cause-and-effect relationships in complex narratives. These abilities translate directly into real-world skills such as problem-solving, patience, and long-term focus. More importantly, novels cultivate empathy. Living inside a character’s thoughts over time helps students understand perspectives vastly different from their own. In an increasingly polarized world, this emotional literacy is invaluable. Lowering Expectations, Lowering Outcomes One of the most concerning aspects of abandoning novels is the message it sends to students: we don’t think you’re capable. When schools assume students cannot handle long-form reading, expectations are quietly lowered. History shows that when expectations drop, outcomes often follow. Students rise to challenges when given the tools and encouragement to do so. If reading stamina is weak, the solution should not be avoidance but gradual rebuilding — just as physical strength improves with practice. Removing novels from curricula denies students the chance to develop this crucial skill. The Role of Technology and Attention It is undeniable that digital culture has reshaped attention spans. Constant notifications, short videos, and algorithm-driven content train the brain to crave immediacy. But schools should act as a counterbalance to this trend, not surrender to it. Education has always required effort that goes against the grain of comfort. Learning mathematics is difficult. Writing essays is demanding. Reading novels is no different. Shielding students from difficulty does not prepare them for adulthood — it weakens their resilience. Engagement, Not Elimination The problem is not novels themselves, but how they are taught. Too often, novels are presented as rigid academic tasks rather than living stories. Educators who connect books to students’ lives, encourage discussion, and allow space for interpretation often see higher engagement. Modern novels, diverse voices, and relevant themes can reignite interest. Pairing reading with creative projects, debates, or multimedia exploration can make novels feel alive rather than burdensome. The answer is innovation in teaching, not retreat from literature. Equity and Cultural Loss There is also an equity issue at stake. Students from book-rich homes may continue reading novels independently, while those without access rely entirely on schools for literary exposure. Removing novels from classrooms widens the cultural gap, depriving many students of the shared experience of literature. Novels are not just educational tools — they are cultural touchstones. They shape language, values, and identity. Losing them from schools means losing a common intellectual heritage. What We Stand to Lose If students grow up believing they cannot read novels, the consequences extend far beyond school. Long-form reading strengthens concentration, memory, and analytical thinking — skills essential for higher education, professional life, and informed citizenship. A society that abandons deep reading risks becoming more reactive, less reflective, and more vulnerable to misinformation. The ability to sit with complexity, ambiguity, and nuance begins with reading books that do not offer instant gratification. Conclusion The belief that students can no longer read full novels is not just pessimistic — it is dangerous. It reflects a failure of imagination and resolve rather than a failure of students themselves. Young people are capable of far more than we often assume, especially when challenged with purpose and support. Abandoning novels may seem like a practical response to modern realities, but it comes at a steep cost. Preserving long-form reading in schools is not about nostalgia; it is about protecting the intellectual and emotional development of future generations. If schools give up on novels, we give up on depth, empathy, and sustained thought. That is not progress. That is a tragedy.
By Fiazahmedbrohi 6 days ago in Longevity
Comments (10)
Hi Daphne, you inspired me to make a Word Finder for the vocal Poets: https://shopping-feedback.today/poets/poets-take-a-break%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cstyle data-emotion-css="w4qknv-Replies">.css-w4qknv-Replies{display:grid;gap:1.5rem;}
Thanks so much for this story, Daphane - it brought back many memories. When I used to travel extensively for work, Word search puzzles kept me occupied on many long-haul flights. I had forgotten about them. I would always stop at the airport bookshop and buy the latest one for the trip. You put a lot of effort into this with all the resources, etc. Thank you!
This is great!! Thank you!
I love finding words vs cross words puzzles. Very informative on the benefits of playing this game. For me it's a one person game that really challenge our eyes and brain 🥰
Omgggg, I never linked dyslexia and wordsearch before. No wonder I was good at it, lol. Thank you for all these recommendations!
You are so right about doing word search puzzles. l love these and my mom and dad did too.
Well-wrought! I especially appreciate your nod to yoga and meditation here. Anything that allows us the space for single-pointed focus can help derail the constant anxiety into which this frantic world is constantly placing us. We did not evolve to be bombarded with advertisements at every turn! I loathe to think we will adapt to this way of living, and hope that the culture changes in a way to rid us of the imposition.
I'll do a word search sometimes, but I prefer a good crossword puzzle. Get about the same benefits <3
This is comprehensive, Daphne! And as someone with poor executive functions myself, they are indeed helpful!
Such a great perspective on word searches! I love how calming and beneficial they are!