Puzzles are a fun activity that involves putting pieces together to reconstruct a picture. But did you know that puzzles can also be beneficial for mental health? In fact, assembling jigsaw puzzles can help reduce stress, improve concentration and stimulate the brain, among other things. We tell you all about it!
The hidden benefits of puzzles
Dr Patrick Fissler, a German neurology researcher at Ulm University, carried out a recent study into the benefits of puzzles on our brains. And indeed he found that, thanks to a complex sequence of events, puzzles stimulate eight cognitive functions at once:
- Perception/concentration (attention to commonalities, variations, differences and anchor points in a puzzle)
- Mental flexibility/flexibility (finding creative solutions)
- Working memory (short-term memory)
- Episodic memory (including the ability to project into the future)
- Processing speed (the rate at which the brain processes information)
- Mental rotation (manipulating an object in your mind to anticipate its movement. In other words, jigsawing improves spatial perception, anticipation, and object identification)
Puzzles as stress reducers
Assembling a jigsaw puzzle can be a soothing and relaxing activity that can help reduce stress and anxiety. Although not everyone is susceptible to it, the activity requires intense concentration which can help to relax and focus on the present moment. Puzzles can also help to slow the heart rate and reduce blood pressure. Finally, puzzles teach us patience and perseverance.
Puzzles stimulate our motor skills
Sure, putting puzzles together can help stimulate the brain and improve cognitive function, but the activity can also help improve hand-eye coordination and dexterity, or fine motor skills. It can be great exercise for a child or someone with a disability.
Puzzles to boost self-confidence
Assembling a jigsaw puzzle can be a rewarding activity that will help boost self-confidence. Indeed, as you progress in assembling the puzzle, you can feel a sense of satisfaction and achievement. Who hasn't rejoiced at the end of a jigsaw puzzle when you put the last piece in place? It's normal to be proud of reaching the end of a jigsaw puzzle, and to let those around us know it!
Puzzles as an effective disconnection tool
In a context where we stay in front of our screens for a good part of the day, jigsaw puzzles are a great way to get away from them! When you do a jigsaw puzzle as a family, your family communication is enriched and bonds strengthened. A study by Yale University found that "solving complex puzzles helps strengthen cooperation, interconnection and teamwork". And that's one of the reasons why Escape Games are so popular! Well, the puzzle has the same effects on cooperation... but from your own home!
Company seminars dedicated to team building are also excellent opportunities to pull out a puzzle. It's a great team-building activity to work on together. And the whole 1001Hobbies team can confirm: it's tried and tested!
At what age should you start doing puzzles?
Okay, so puzzles are a great activity for our brains. But you should know that as we get older, our brain's plasticity atrophies. To remedy this, it's important to vary our leisure activities to have favourable effects on our mental health in the long term. And doing a jigsaw puzzle is just one of them! But for children too, the development of these faculties is essential: jigsaw puzzles stimulate reasoning, memory and language skills in older adults and children alike! So there's no age to start: feel free to take a look at our selection of puzzles for children.
So, next time you're looking for a relaxing and stimulating activity, why not try a jigsaw puzzle?
Find also here all our puzzles ranges: from 3D puzzles to wooden puzzles, XXL puzzles or impossible puzzles, you're bound to find one you like!
