When we think of puzzles, we usually think of a hobby, a way to spend time and relax. The truth is, they are not only fun, but they also have many health benefits. From helping children develop their skills through improving memory and mood to preventing serious illnesses in the elderly. Below you will find 10 amazing benefits of jigsaw puzzles and 2 additional features for kids and seniors.
The advantages of puzzles
1. Mental exercise
Puzzle solving can be considered a complete brain exercise because it trains both the right and left sides. The right one is responsible for creativity, emotion and intuitive thinking; and on the left - the logical, objective and methodological side.
When you complete a puzzle, both parties need to communicate and work together to improve cognitive function. The occipital lobe is the area where the brain connects colors and shapes and is also activated. Exercising the mind can help prevent cognitive decline.
2. Improves visual-spatial thinking
To put the puzzle together, we see different pieces and we have to place them on a large image. Doing this exercise regularly helps us improve our spatial thinking.
3. More attention to detail
When putting together a figured puzzle, especially if its parts are very similar, it is very important to pay attention to the details. You need to train your eyes to spot small differences in colors and shapes that will help you complete the look. The ability to capture small details can help us in all aspects of our life, especially at work. As we become more attentive and precise, performance improves.
4. Improving memory
Strengthens neural connections and increases the creation of new connections. It increases mental speed and thought processes. When you take a piece of a puzzle, you should search among others for the desired color or shape and render the image at a large scale to see which pieces fit together. When you exercise the part of the brain responsible for storing this information, it helps maintain and improve short-term memory.
5. Increase your IQ
Researchers at the University of Michigan, led by Dr. Suzanne Yaggi, have found that spending 25 minutes a day solving puzzles and puzzles can increase your IQ by 4 points.
6. Improving the ability to solve problems
To solve puzzles, you use different approaches to try and solve the puzzle, as this is a trial and error test. You will also learn how important it is to formulate theories, test hypotheses, and change your minds when things don't go as planned. These skills can be transferred to work, making you more innovative in problem solving, more critical thinking, and better adaptive skills.
7. Increased productivity
When you are happier and less stressed, it is easier for you to focus. As your concentration improves, your productivity rises dramatically. If you find it difficult to focus on your studies or work, consider taking a short break to solve puzzles and reboot your brain. Many offices are starting to include puzzle games and similar games in their lounges. These games help employees disconnect from work for a few minutes and come back refreshed and ready to start again.
8. Better collaboration and teamwork.
Another reason to use jigsaw puzzles in the workplace is because they help to build collaboration between colleagues. Yale University researchers found that when workers can tackle tasks together in the workplace, it helps them improve their relationships and the ability to collaborate and work together.
9. Good mood
Solving puzzles and puzzles is of great benefit, it increases the production of dopamine in the brain. This neurotransmitter is responsible for regulating mood and optimism. It also affects learning, memory, concentration and motivation. Dopamine is released every time we solve puzzles, even every time we put a piece in the right place. It motivates us to keep doing it and challenge ourselves.
10. Reduce stress levels
This not only challenges us, but also helps us relax. When you solve jigsaw puzzles, our brains go from beta or wakefulness to alpha. The alpha state is similar to the state in which we are in a dream. This shift in consciousness has many benefits, including:
The ability to establish deeper connections
Cheer up
Boost our self-confidence
Relieves stress
Lower blood pressure and heart rate even further
