Do you love solving jigsaw puzzles? If so, you might wonder about whether they are conferring any benefits for your health. The answer to that question is a resounding “yes!” It is no wonder that jigsaw puzzles have found their way into video games as well, influencing everything from Tetris to Fortnite over the years. In this post, we are going to go over the benefits of jigsaw puzzles.
If you feel like doing some jigsaw puzzles online after reading this post, you can swing by JSPuzzles.com to give your brain a workout while simultaneously relaxing and having a fun time. On this site, you will find jigsaws to solve for free that feature images of animals, beaches, landscapes, architecture, pets, art and more. There are also daily puzzles and user-submitted puzzles. You can even upload a puzzle of your own to share with the world.
1. Jigsaw puzzles are great for kids to get an early learning boost.
One of the best things about jigsaw puzzles is that they are beneficial for people of all ages. That includes the young. Susan Levine at the University of Chicago writes, “Puzzles are an opportunity for young children to explore key early math concepts, including shapes, sizes, and how and where one puzzle piece fits with another to make pictures or designs. This type of math involves spatial reasoning.”
2. There are a number of brain benefits from doing jigsaw puzzles.
Solving jigsaw puzzles is great for your brain in multiple ways. According to the Baylor College of Medicine, “Studies have shown that doing jigsaw puzzles can improve cognition and visual-spatial reasoning. The act of putting the pieces of a puzzle together requires concentration and improves short-term memory and problem solving. Using the puzzle as an exercise of the mind can spark imagination and increase both your creativity and productivity.”
3. Jigsaw puzzles can be good for your short-term memory.
In fact, jigsaws are so good for short-term memory that this benefit is mentioned among others by South Mountain Memory Care. It is important to keep in mind that you cannot treat or cure dementia with jigsaw puzzles. But they may still be a healthy, simple option for older adults to maintain brain health.
4. You can use jigsaw puzzles to socialize.
While many people solve jigsaw puzzles on their own, others like to share the experience. You can work with family or friends on solving a jigsaw puzzle offline, or you can look for an online jigsaw you can do together long-distance.
Jigsaws allow you to work together collaboratively with someone else, but on a puzzle that doesn’t involve a whole lot of complex strategizing. So, you get the fun of accomplishing something together, minus the stress of arguing about an approach. Additionally, jigsaws do not require a huge amount of concentration. So, you can also converse about other things while you are working on the puzzle.
5. Jigsaw puzzles are fun, relaxing and meditative.
Finally, another of the benefits of jigsaw puzzles is that they are relaxing and enjoyable to work on. You can easily get into a state of mind where you are “in the zone” as you work. Stresses fade to the background, and you are simply in the moment, having a good time. You can then get back to the rest of your everyday life feeling refreshed.
Now you know some of the benefits of solving jigsaw puzzles. When you play jigsaw puzzle games online, you will find yourself with countless puzzles you can solve featuring images in just about every category you can think of. Have fun fitting together the pieces and delighting in this classic pastime that supports healthy brain function and offers a simple outlet for stress relief and relaxation.