Plutarch said that the mind was not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled. Let’s talk about that, shall we?

Have you ever seen an image of brain activity obtained through neuroimaging while a person is performing a creative task? It looks like an enormous Christmas tree! Tiny lights switching on in different regions of the brain at the same time, creating unique patterns of neural activity that —read this carefully— support healing processes.

That is why studies on art and health describe something truly fascinating: engaging in creative activities —for example, colouring mandalas or doing word searches— reduces cortisol levels —the stress hormone—, helps modulate inflammation, activates the parasympathetic nervous system —such a funny name for something so necessary, isn’t it?— and helps process emotions that are not always easy.

Add to that the fact that you also train the movement of your hands, hand-eye coordination and gesture precision, while stimulating different neural pathways depending on the creative activity in front of you. In other words: you integrate body and mind almost without noticing it, which is usually the best way to do things.

You know what they say: don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Start. What do you have to lose? No, better: what do you have to gain? A lot!

If you feel like trying, we offer several word search books, such as Nature Word Search and Garden Word Search. They are designed to help you focus, observe, search, connect ideas and enjoy that small, satisfying moment when your brain suddenly says: «There it is».

You already know you can find them here.

And that’s it. Until we read each other again, please be happy and light up your brain.