The Power of Puzzles
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Each Christmas, my husband and I exchange puzzles. He loves puzzles of A Christmas Story (You'll shoot your eye out!), and I love quirky puzzles that involve solving a mystery or have a puzzle inside the puzzle.
I remember building puzzles with my mom when she was in assisted living. We were both very good at puzzles, but the other residents kept getting upset with us because we'd finished them. Isn't the whole point of building a puzzle to complete the puzzle? Who says, "Hey, let's just start building this puzzle because no one should EVER finish it!" Evidently, nursing home people do.
During one of the most stressful times in my life, my therapist recommended that I "make a deposit in my happy account." Do something for me, just because. I had been everyone else's bitch for like two years, I forgot how to do something for me. I bought a puzzle on my way home. I turned off my phone, played music, and built that puzzle until 3 AM. For the first time in two years, I slept soundly, and for eight hours. Best "happy deposit" ever!
Building puzzles is more than just a fun pastime. It's an activity that offers a range of benefits for people of all ages. Here's why you should consider picking up a puzzle...
Boosts Brain Function
Puzzles are an excellent workout for your brain. They engage both the left and right sides, enhancing problem-solving skills and improving memory. As you work to fit pieces together, you're exercising your mind, which can help keep it sharp. From a hypnotic standpoint, when your nerve impulses cross back and forth between the left and right brain, your stress level comes right down. Make sure you play your favorite music, and keep your thoughts positive.
Enhances Mood
Completing a puzzle can give you a sense of accomplishment, boosting your mood and reducing stress. Sometimes, finding "that ONE piece" and giving it a home provides a massive sense of accomplishment. Focusing on a single task can be meditative and helps to clear your mind and relax.
Improves Attention to Detail
Working on puzzles requires you to notice small details, which can improve your attention span and concentration. The puzzle I'm building now has lots of tiny details! I keep referring to the picture, which also helps with memory. These skills translate into better performance in tasks that require focus.
Encourages Social Interaction
Puzzles can be a great way to connect with others. Whether you're working on a puzzle with family or friends, it's a chance to collaborate and communicate, strengthening relationships. It also fosters a friendly sense of competition AND teamwork. "Who put away more pieces of the puzzle? It doesn't matter because we did this together." Even though the residents didn't like it when my mom and I solved their puzzles, I got to know many of them just from working on them.
Develops Patience and Persistence
Puzzles teach patience and persistence. They require time and effort to complete, encouraging you to stick with a task until it's finished. This can be a valuable lesson in today's fast-paced world.
Incorporating puzzles into your routine can be a rewarding experience. Whether you're looking to boost your brainpower or simply unwind, puzzles offer a simple yet effective way to enhance your well-being.
I'd love to stay and write more, but I have a puzzle to work on!
Here are some links to my favorite puzzle makers:
White Mountain does themed collage puzzles by interest and era. Very fun to build!
https://www.whitemountainpuzzles.com/
Pomegranate makes some of the best quality puzzles I've ever built. When you lock a piece, it stays. If you're an art lover, you'll their puzzles.
https://www.pomegranate.com/
Want to go 3D and build something? Try ROKR puzzles! https://rokrpuzzles.com/
Here's the mystery puzzle I'm building now. It's weird because the picture doesn't always match the pieces! https://oddpieces.com/products/snack-attack (see photo)
Here's the link to the A Christmas Story puzzle we did this Christmas. (see photo)
