How Jigsaw Puzzles Are Great for Mental Wellness
Jigsaw puzzles are a popular hobby and they’re phenomenol for improving mental health.
When I was a kid, I had a few jigsaw puzzles which I enjoyed, but as I got older I lost interest in them.
However, last year I was cleaning out our closets and found a puzzle that my son had picked up at a book sale. I declared that we should do it or give it away, and thus our whole family found ourselves captivated by this beautiful puzzle.
I noticed how much my mind calmed down when focusing on solving the puzzle.
It also amazed me how each piece that goes together creates a little dopamine hit of positive hormones that encourages positive feelings and is extremely satisfying.
I began researching jigsaw puzzles and found that there is an abundance of science showing how puzzling activates so many different aspects of our brain that it is found to be an incredibly positive activity for relieving stress, increasing problem solving, and enhancing memory, plus more.
Jigsaw puzzles are wonderful for enhancing mental health for children, adults, and seniors.
The best part is that puzzling has exploded in popularity and there are so many incredibly beautiful artworks and companies making high quality puzzles.
I have become a passionate puzzler and have found that through puzzling I have enhanced complex problem solving capabilities, in addition to find peace of mind while puzzling - which I also often combine with listening to soothing music, audiobooks, or listening to research talks.
One factor that is really wonderful about puzzling is that you can do it by yourself, but it's also a great way for people to puzzle together, and people can come and go as desired.
Puzzling is a fun activity that family and friends of all ages and skill levels can cooperate on together without being restricted by schedules or time-limits.
As I was researching ways this year to help my children with their end-of-the-year homeschool tests, I found that the testing tutor program they were working with suggested doing jigsaw puzzles as the #1 way to enhance their testing results.
Not studying harder - just puzzling!
It activates the brain's ability to strategize and problem solve and sort information to find the solution.
Puzzling not only helps with tests and problem solving, but it profoundly benefits relieving stress and helping to sort our emotions and find the solution to achieve peace, focus, and calm.
There are many ways to calm the nervous system and shift gears, but this is one that has especially surprised and delighted me.
Calming our minds and finding ways to switch off the overactive thought patterns is essential in these high-stress times.
I highly recommend it for mental well-being and enhancing problem solving capabilities.
The key is to find a puzzle with art that uplifts and inspires you, as your mind can relax into a beautiful picture and experience a mini-mental retreat.
Here are a few of my favorite puzzles from high-quality puzzles companies like Ravensburger, Eeboo, and Elena Essex.
Best Jigsaw Puzzles Recommendations
Best 500 Piece Puzzles for Adults
Best 1000-Piece Puzzles for Adults
Best Puzzles for Kids
Happy puzzling!
Many blessings,
Kara