Surprising Benefits of Puzzling
Jigsaw puzzles are a great way to pass the time and relax. While puzzling may be simply a hobby for many, there are so many other health and skill related benefits that come from putting together a puzzle. Keep reading to find out the top benefits of doing puzzles! We won’t be surprised if you start puzzling more once you know how good it is for you!
Uses Both Sides of Your Brain
Did you know that putting together a jigsaw puzzle requires both sides of your brain to work together? The left-brain hemisphere is the analytical side and tries to sort out all the separate pieces in a logical manner. The right-brain hemisphere is the creative side and works intuitively to help imagine and piece together the image. To put together a jigsaw puzzles your brain uses both types of thinking and forms connections that increase your ability to learn, comprehend, and remember.
Puzzles Can Actually Make You Happy
You know that satisfying feeling of finally finding the piece you’ve been searching for? That happens because successfully placing just one piece causes a release of dopamine in your brain! Dopamine leads to an increase in concentration, confidence, optimism, and makes you feel good!
A State of Meditation
Much like getting lost in a good story you can get lost in putting together a puzzle. Jigsaw puzzles allow you to focus your mind on just one thing and can put you in a state of creative, focused meditation. Puzzles are a great tool to slow down and can help reduce stress-levels and anxiety.
Good For Your Brain Health
Studies show that mind-engaging activities such as jigsaw puzzles put your mind in an active state that can lead to longer life expectancy, better quality of life, and reduce your chances of developing certain types of mental illness such as memory loss and dementia.
Problem-Solving Skills
Puzzling is a great way to increase your problem-solving skills as you take on the challenge of piecing together an image. The process of puzzling requires making predictions, trial and error, and changing plans accordingly. What a simple of way of practicing skills that are useful in everyday life!
Strengthen Memory
Jigsaw puzzles can also help you improve your memory. Short-term memory skills are practiced and developed as you search for certain colors, patterns, and shapes. Your brain must remember what each piece looks like or should look like to complete the picture. This repetitive process helps reinforce short-term memory and can be especially helpful for children with developing brains.
Puzzles have so many benefits that can help you refine your skills and better your mental health. Challenge yourself to pick up the hobby of puzzling and get started today with one of our puzzles! On top of the engagement your brain needs, our puzzles tell a unique story that can encapsulate you and increase your ability to make deep connections.