There is a very famous puzzle involving a man and coffee beans. The brain teaser is appropriately titled “Man in the Coffee Beans”. Most people come to this image, stare at it for like 3-5 minutes, and swear that they can’t see the man in the coffee beans. But even if they say they don’t, the fact is, he is there. Can you spot him? Keep reading and I will give you a hint before we are done here.
But first, do you know what brain teasers like this can do to your brain?
There are thousands of picture puzzles and brain teasers like this out there. Some of them are crazy illusions that just make you want to slap yourself. Also, there is a fascinating subject among the “brain hacking” community on whether the brain teasing puzzles like the one above can unlock the intelligence within you.
So, do brain teasers make us smarter?
Unfortunately, brain teasers are not meant to make you smarter, according to a case study conducted by the BBC science show “Bang Goes the Theory”.[1] Ultimately, brain games will not increase your intelligence quotient.
However, this type of game does help elevate cognitive performance, a fact that is supported in a separate study.[2]
Brain games test how your brain can change and adapt to various situations. Neuroscientists call this “neuroplasticity,” which is the ability of our nervous system to change physiologically when it is regularly challenged.
Scientifically designed logic games and puzzles like the “Man in the Coffee Beans” puzzle pictured above are perfect tools to challenge, stimulate, and improve cognitive functions in a fun and playful manner. They target your working memory, which is the fundamental basis of all our learning, thinking, and problem-solving skills. Also, neuroscientists point out that mind-teasing, in general, can increase your alertness, improve your memory, elevate your mood, enhance your concentration, and promote clearer and quicker thinking.
In conclusion, brain teasers are fun ways to stimulate your brain, thus contributing to an overall enhanced cognitive function if they are done on a regular basis. And the best part? There are thousands of them out there, so you will never run out of variety.
Before I forget, did you find the “Man in the Coffee Beans” above? If not, don’t worry, here are two quick hints:
- Focus on the lower half of the image.
- The man’s head is a single coffee bean.
Reference
| [1] | ^ | NBC News: Brain games don’t make you any smarter |
| [2] | ^ | The JAMA Network: Long-term Effects of Cognitive Training on Everyday Functional Outcomes in Older Adults |
The post Can You See The Man In The Coffee Beans? Most People Can’t. appeared first on Lifehack.
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