How Is Doing a Crossword Puzzle Like Changing a Habit?

source: Psychology Today Magazine
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/changepower/201302/how-is-doing-crossword-puzzle-changing-habit

Read the article and ask the question:

1. Which was the last habit you tried to change?

2. Was your effort successful?

I have a habit of doing the New York Times crossword puzzle most days of the week. Even if there were no benefits beyond the activity itself, I would still indulge in it. Let’s face it, I’m a word nerd.
But lately I’ve been noticing how this pleasant activity teaches a set of attitudes that is actually useful for successful habit change.  Here are seven ways a crossword puzzle can provide the attitude adjustment that will help you change a habit:
1.  First do no harm.  We acquire our hurtful habits because they regulate our moods. Automatic eating, smoking, procrastinating—these mindless activities put us in a trance state that dulls the sharp pain of a harsh reality. Crosswords likewise put us in a trance state—I call it “Letterland”—but one that is more like “flow”—a state of being so immersed in what you are doing that the rest of the world falls away.  Flow activities, like knitting, sketching, writing, running, or gardening, give your mind a break from boredom, pain, or worry while either doing you no harm or actively doing you good.  Compared to a bad habit, these activities cost you little and benefit you a lot.

Read the full story here:
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/changepower/201302/how-is-doing-crossword-puzzle-changing-habit