Instead of ruminating about work and life’s perplexing twists and turns, problem-solve—and relax—by doing crossword puzzles. “Brain-challenging games are a wonderful way to allow the mind to focus on something besides the mundane,” says Nancy B. Irwin, PsyD, a clinical psychologist in Los Angeles. Not only do they increase cognitive ability (and boost vocabulary) in a fun way, these puzzles also provide fresh perspective on your problems as you focus on the here-andnow. And flexing other brain “muscles” allows your mind and body to decompress. It’s a smart way to go “across” and “down” the path to relaxation.