There are literally dozens of different electronic devices these days on which people can play games or do other activities to stimulate their brains. This includes desktop computers, laptop computers, tablets, smartphones and a number of other devices. While these are convenient, it can actually be better to do old-fashioned puzzles, such as 300 piece puzzles. Research shows that not only do puzzles stimulate our brains, they also provide us with physiological relaxation, which is good for overall mental health. Doing puzzles also causes your body to produce dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter.

Doing puzzles can be a family affair. Research shows that the brain makes its most connections among cells in children before they turn 10 years old, so doing puzzles with children can not only be a fun activity, it also can be good for their development. You can do easy puzzles with younger children, and do more difficult puzzles, such as 300 piece puzzles or 500 piece puzzles, with older children. Puzzles are also good for senior citizens, as they help stimulate their brains and keep them mentally sharp.

If puzzles aren’t your thing or if you don’t have any handy, there are plenty of other activities you can do that don’t require electronics. One of the most popular activities is to play a board game. These games have been around for many years, some of them for a century or more. There are old mainstays such as Monopoly or checkers, but there also are newer themed board games, such as sports board games or a polar express game. Board games are good family games, and many of them can be played by people of all ages.

If games aren’t really something you like to do, a good alternative can be to do a craft. You can buy various craft kits, but you also can do crafts with things you might have around the house, such as q-tips and toothpicks. Crafts are a good activity for younger children, as they can be very fun and also hold their interest.

Though smartphones and tablets have made life easier and given you a world of possibilities for games and activities right at your fingertips, it can be fun to put down the electronics every once in awhile and go back to basics with a puzzle, board game or craft.