AS the New Year fast approaches, we’re all thinking about different ways to keep ourselves on track in the coming months.
And there’s a new brainteaser that challenges you to find your focus in just 12 seconds.
The puzzle comprises a grid with loads of ‘Fears’ written in capital letters, along with a single ‘Focus’.
To complete the challenge, find the ‘Focus’ in 12 seconds – and then pass it over to your friend to compare your times.
“Right before we unmute on a call, our brain can fixate on fears,” Ty Letang, founder of public speaking and anxiety coaching app AmberWillo, explained.
“This puzzle nudges you to do the opposite, training your attention to find focus under light pressure.
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“That same skill helps you speak more clearly and calmer.
“When you slow down your breathing, your mind can naturally slow also, giving you more perceived time to focus on the task at hand.”
If you’re struggling to find the ‘Focus’, try dividing the grid into quarters, before searching in each section one at a time.
You can rule out the top half, as the word isn’t there.
Instead, concentrate on the bottom half – and in the right section.
If you’re still struggling, scroll down to find the answer.
Puzzles like this aren’t just fun, they can actually boost your brain power.
Studies have shown that regularly challenging yourself with optical illusions and brainteasers can improve your problem-solving skills, concentration, and attention span.
They also help prevent cognitive decline in older age and can even improve your eyesight by training your eyes to spot small details.
Another tricky brainteaser features a gnarled tree but only those with high IQ can spot a sleepy cat hiding on it.
If that’s still not hard enough for you, then have a go at spotting the hidden broom amongst the clothes in less than five seconds.
Or you can have a go at figuring out the hidden message in this band’s cover art that has confused fans for years.
How can optical illusions and brainteasers help me?
Engaging in activities like solving optical illusions and brainteasers can have many cognitive benefits as it can stimulate various brain regions.
Some benefits include:
- Cognitive stimulation: Engaging in these activities challenges the brain, promoting mental agility and flexibility.
- Problem-solving skills: Regular practice enhances analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Memory improvement: These challenges often require memory recall and can contribute to better memory function.
- Creativity: They encourage thinking outside the box, fostering creativity and innovative thought processes.
- Focus and attention: Working on optical illusions and brainteasers requires concentration, contributing to improved focus.
- Stress relief: The enjoyable nature of these puzzles can act as a form of relaxation and stress relief.
Ty also shared a quick performance tip from AmberWillo that can help you if you struggle with anxiety.
Namely the “4-4-8 breath” technique.
Simply inhale for the count of four, hold for another four and then exhale for a count of eight.
Just two cycles of the technique can help lower adrenaline and steady your voice.
