I like puzzle games, the kind where you have to figure things out, whether it’s how to escape a surreal different dimension, opening doors to nowhere, or cracking out of rooms you’d never enter in the first place. They’ve even honed my problem-solving skills in the real world.
There was the time years ago when I couldn’t open a window because the handle to turn the radiators on and off was in the way. I looked at it, realized it was a screw and turn the handle until the window could easily swing open. They can also help you to think of taking advantage of regular items in irregular ways, like a recent use of a too-sharp dental pick/scraper to clean out gunk from a dishwasher arm.
Like our bodies, our brains need exercise. We need to test them; we need to keep them flexible. Sure, these games aren’t for everyone, but to keep our minds sleek and agile, we have to do something that tests the bounds of usual.
After all, the corner of creativity is unconventional thinking.
And you never know what taking a brain break might spark. It’s like getting up and walking around every hour, but for your head. Getting the old circulation going.
You do what works for you, but just as you keep your body healthy, you’ve got to use it or lose it when it comes to your ability to think creatively. Why not do it with something you find fun?
Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a virtual box to open.
For more on my thoughts about Charlottesville and rising bigotry, please read An Open Letter to My Friends of Color.
Check out my full-length novels:
Aunty Ida’s Full-Service Mental Institution (by Invitation Only)
Aunty Ida’s Holey Amazing Sleeping Preparation (Not Doctor Recommended)
The Great Paradox and the Innies and Outies of Time Management.
And download Better Living Through GRAVY and Other Oddities, it’s free!
A Bit to Read 