Problem Solving Games

Dr Kawashima made a small fortune on Brain Training™ for Nintendo.  The principle was to use games to train the brain to act younger than it actually is. My mum swears by the Daily Mail crossword and code word puzzles to keep brain working well.

These puzzles are fun but they also serve a purpose in keeping our brain cells working well. In fact what we are doing is engaging the brain to solve the problem. We use analysis, logic and creativity to find solutions to complete the puzzle or solve the problem.

This set me thinking…. What games should we be playing to help us keep our brains business fit?  Here is a fun list for you…

Analytical skills:

• Cryptic crosswords
• Sudoku
• Numerical and alphabetical puzzles

Tactical skills

• Chess
• Bridge
• Backgammon
• Yahtzee
• Jenga
• Poker

Risk Analysis

• Operation
• Mousetrap
• Computer games

Team working skills are always improved by playing any team sport.

And some hobbies that have problems to solve, choices to make or creativity...

• Mechanics
• Golf
• DIY
• Programming
• Sewing and needlecraft
• Gardening, and the list goes on...

Not surprising really then, that recruiters and employers ask what your hobbies, interests and pastimes are.

Related Publication: Nine Essential Skills for Problem Solving