Riddles are more than just a fun way to pass the time; they are a fantastic exercise for your brain, promoting lateral thinking and enhancing cognitive flexibility.

1. Encourages Creative Problem-Solving: Riddles force you to think outside the box. The answer is rarely the most obvious one, which trains your brain to look at problems from multiple angles and consider unconventional solutions.

2. Improves Language and Comprehension: Many riddles rely on wordplay, metaphors, and double meanings. Regularly engaging with them can sharpen your understanding of language nuances and improve your ability to interpret complex texts.

3. Boosts Working Memory: As you work through a riddle, you need to hold multiple pieces of information and potential interpretations in your mind at once. This process gives your working memory a great workout, which is essential for short-term recall and focus.

4. Provides a Dopamine Hit: The "Aha!" moment you experience when you finally solve a riddle is a rewarding feeling. This small burst of pleasure is caused by a release of dopamine, which can improve your mood and motivation to tackle other challenges.