Wordle

Of all the things going on in the world right now, what I’m motivated to write to you about is Wordle. I’ve found an Unlimited Wordle site. I’m both obsessed and convinced this is really good for my brain.

Why? I don’t think it’s primarily because of the challenge. If you’re as late to the game as I am (pun intended), Wordle has blanks (5 in this version) and 6 chances to guess the word. The letter turns green if it’s in the right spot, yellow if the letter is in the word but in the wrong spot. At the end, the game gives you the average number of tries it took others to guess the word. So, you both want to guess the word. And do it more quickly than average. Or at least I do.

This is super fun if you are a word nut. I’m a word nut. In fact, my temptation is to throw up words because I like them. So I give in. If the point is fun, then why not put some of my beloved words to use? Half the time, I know it’s not the answer, and I’m using a low percentage letter (how many Wordle games use “satyr”?) This is counterproductive to winning, but having fun is surely good for the brain.

The major benefit for me, though, comes when I’m having difficulty. If the answer doesn’t come quickly, I want to give up. Declare it impossible–there is no such letter combination! Of course, there is. I’ve only failed to guess it a handful of times; I know I can solve it, if I keep trying.

I don’t think my problem is impatience. I think it’s focus. You may have it too. The “eight tabs open and three shows going at once” syndrome. Toggling between shows, skimming articles (which are embarrassingly short to begin with.) I can feel my brain wanting to skip onto the next thing. Bored–this isn’t fun anymore! Lazy–aw, this is too hard. Why not start a new game and see how it goes.

No. Keep trying.

Whether I’m right about these benefits, I don’t know. But I can tell you, as soon as I get really good at it, I’ll lose interest. Mission accomplished–done and dusted. In the meantime, I’m also learning Spanish, which every article on the subject declares excellent for brain health. Plus, I’m getting enough sleep. I’m an expert at getting enough sleep. Descanse bien, y’all.