In a world where we are continuously struggling with mobile phones and screens, If you resolve to stay healthy and get in shape, be sure to pull out a fun and challenging puzzle.
FYI, the mental stimulation of working on a puzzle is just as important to the mind as physical exercise is to the body.
While all human minds are different, almost all researchers agree that Jigsaw puzzles help cognitive processes. In addition, researchers find that doing Jigsaw puzzles daily tends to be the most effective way to improve your brain's health.
Here are 7 psychological benefits of solving Jigsaw puzzles
Improved Memory
Solving Jigsaw puzzles helps reinforce existing connections between our brain cells. It also increases the generation of new relationships. This, in turn, improves mental speed and thought processes.
The two hemispheres of your brain control different functions. The left side of your brain controls analytic and logical thinking and the right-side controls creativity. When you are working on Jigsaw puzzles, you are engaging both sides and giving your brain a real mental workout.
Jigsaw puzzles are especially good for improving short-term memory. Our short-term memory helps us remember shapes and colors and visualize the bigger picture to figure out which pieces will fit together.
Better Problem-Solving Skills
Jigsaw puzzles enhances our ability to creatively solve problems and think critically, a skills that is greatly valued in today's fast paced environment
Jigsaw puzzles require us to take different approaches to try and solve a problem since there’s a lot of trial and error involved. We also learn the value of formulating theories, testing hypotheses, and changing our perspectives when something doesn’t work out according to plan.
All these skills can easily be transferred to our work life to make us more innovative and adaptable.
Improved Visual-Spatial Reasoning
When solving a puzzle, we have to look at different pieces and figure out where they fit within the larger picture. Doing this regularly helps improve our visual-spatial reasoning.
Better visual-spatial skills help with a number of everyday tasks, including driving, packing, using tools.
Increased IQ
Jigsaw puzzles provide improvements to our memory and overall reasoning. So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that one of the other benefits of Jigsaw puzzles is that they help raise our IQ (intelligence quotient).
A study from the University of Michigan even found that adults could boost their IQ by four points after spending 25 minutes a day playing puzzle games.
Delay Dementia and Alzheimer’s
Even if you don’t care about raising your IQ, keeping your brain active with Jigsaw puzzles can help delay the symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Studies show that keeping the mind active through Jigsaw puzzles and other problem-solving activities can reduce the amount of brain cell damage that occurs in Alzheimer’s patients. It also supports the growth of new nerve cells and strengthens the connections between them.
Researchers have also found a correlation between the number of years someone has been solving Jigsaw puzzles and the likelihood that they will develop Alzheimer’s. So, the sooner you start making Jigsaw puzzles a regular part of your life, the better. It’s never too early to start protecting your brain.
Improved Mood
Another one of the benefits of Jigsaw puzzles is that they increase our brains’ production of dopamine.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and feelings of optimism. It also affects memory, concentration, and motivation.
Dopamine is released every time we successfully solve a puzzle — or even just get one piece in the right place. This encourages us to continue working on solving them and challenging ourselves.
Lower Stress Levels
Jigsaw puzzles while challenging us also helps us control our stress levels.
It enhances our ability to make deeper connections, improve our mindset, Increase our self-confidence,
Increases Attention to Detail
When you’re trying to solve a puzzle, helping us pay attention to detail is crucial. You need to train your eyes to pick out slight differences in color or shape that will help you put everything together.
An ability to pick up on small details helps in every aspect of our lives, especially at work. When we’re more detail oriented and precise, the quality of our work improves.
Increased Productivity
When we’re happier and less stressed out, it’s easier for us to concentrate. When our concentration improves, our productivity naturally skyrockets.
If you’re struggling to stay on task at work or school, consider taking a short break to solve a puzzle and reset your brain.
Better Collaboration
If you’re looking for another reason to incorporate Jigsaw puzzles into your workplace, Jigsaw puzzles have been proven to build collaboration between coworkers.
Researchers at Yale University found that giving people the opportunity to work together on solving Jigsaw puzzles allowed them to improve relationships and their abilities to cooperate to finish a task.
