If you're stuck solving a puzzle, new research suggests that having a laugh could be a good start to finding a solution

Researchers at Northwestern University have been working to better understand the human brain, and have been tracing brain patterns involved with solving puzzles, the New York Times has reported.

The research found that in many ways, distraction and environment had a large impact on the brain's ability to find more creative solutions to problems. The research specifically looked at the effect of watching a comedy routine before attempting to solve a word puzzle.

The study found that students, after watching a standup comedy routine, were more likely to solve word puzzles with sudden insight.

"What we think is happening is that the humour, this positive mood, is lowering the brain's threshold for detecting weaker or more remote connections," said Mark Beeman, a neuroscientist who conducted the study.

Are you a puzzle addict? Take our survey, and let us know in the comments section below what you do to keep your mind sharp.