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5 Benefits of Doing Puzzles

When you think of jigsaw puzzles, what comes to mind? Some people consider puzzles a hobby or a fun way to pass the time. Others think of them as great brain busters for kids. You may be surprised to find that there are several proven health benefits to taking the time to put together a puzzle! How can you benefit from some regular puzzle time? Check out some of the top benefits of doing traditional jigsaw puzzles!


1. Effective Stress Reliever


Most people have a lot on their minds on a routine basis and usually a high-stress level. If you’re looking for a way to de-stress and unplug, sitting down and working on a jigsaw puzzle might be the thing to help you. Jigsaw puzzles have been proven to help with mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression. They engage the brain in a way that lowers barriers and creates a sense of calm. If you’ve had a particularly stressful day, a traditional jigsaw puzzle could be the perfect activity to help you relax.


2. Great for Alone Time


In these times, many find themselves alone with time on their hands. It is the default to start scrolling through their social media or binge-watching a TV show for a few hours. The next time you’re faced with the opportunity, choose to set aside the electronics and work on a traditional jigsaw puzzle instead! You’ll be able to more effectively engage your mind, not to mention the satisfaction that comes with putting together those last few pieces of the jigsaw puzzle. You certainly don’t get that from scrolling through social media!


3. Strengthen Your Mind


Working jigsaw puzzles has proven time and again to be a great exercise to strengthen your mind. When you’re focusing on a traditional jigsaw puzzle, you’re able to engage both the left and the right side of your brain and develop problem-solving skills in addition to improving your short-term memory. It’s an overall great way to get some mental exercise in and keep your mind sharp. Not to mention it’s incredibly fun!


4.Teamwork and Problem-Solving Skills


While doing traditional jigsaw puzzles alone can certainly be enjoyable, there are some great benefits to putting them together with others! You’ll find that your teamwork skills improve as you come together as a pair or as a group to get a puzzle put together. You’ll also see some increased problem-solving skills as you consider your options and how you can most effectively put together the puzzle.


5. Easy Way to Connect with Loved Ones


Perhaps one of the most significant benefits of doing puzzles is the opportunity to connect with family, friends, and loved ones more easily. A jigsaw puzzle, some good music, and a handful of yummy snack options is a recipe for a perfect evening together connecting with those you love. It’s easy to converse and catch up while putting together a puzzle, so take advantage of the opportunity to simultaneously enjoy time together and have fun with a traditional jigsaw puzzle.


Time to Start On That Puzzle!


Whether you’re looking for a new way to relieve stress or you’re working on a goal to reduce your screen time, you’ll find that the benefits of doing traditional jigsaw puzzles are endless. Check out our collection of traditional jigsaw puzzles today and get started.


20 comments


  • Margot Stanfield

    We had a family reunion and I come from a large family of puzzlers. So I bought 5 identical puzzles, broke everyone into teams with the goal that by the end of five days the team with the most pieces assembled was the winner. What a great way to build teamwork and fun.. The teams started out in a competitive mode, but by the end of the week, teams were all helping each other to complete the puzzles. It was wonderful to see old and new working together, and to watch people who hadn’t connected in a long time reconnect as they worked together. Maybe puzzles could heal our world??


  • Pamela Witt

    Biking past my neighbor’s open garage, I saw an entire wall filled with something. I stopped and learned the garage art were puzzles. I vowed to create the same in my new home currently being built. I was in the travel business for 12 years, and Dowdle’s collection of cities around the world are perfect reminders of the fun I had exploring. Between Costco’s Dowdle Christmas inventory and buying direct, I have about 20. 8 complete, 12 to go and another 15 i still need to purchase. Working on San Antonio right now. I do 500 and a 1,000. Love the information sheet in each one as well. Thanks Dowdle!


  • SBJ

    Developes Analytical Skills, patience, detail orientation and it is fun.


  • Janice Routt

    You’re absolutely right on your benefits in doing puzzles. They have taken me to other places in the U.S. I’m by myself and your puzzles are great company. I love them. Keep up the great work


  • Jacque Garber

    I am now doing my 26th pandemic puzzle. All of them have been Eric Dowdle puzzles. I love them. I try to find puzzles that connect to places that my husband and I have visited. I often frame them. I have predementia and this helps me remember places and people. I have met Eric Dowdle 3 times and I think he’s awesome as a person and an artist. As an elementary teacher, I taught classes to other teachers during the summer. I found research that suggested that doing puzzles with children before the age of 10 is helpful for their brain and ability to problem solve. I provided puzzles in kindergarten and 1st grade for that reason.


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