The Benefits of Solving Jigsaw Puzzles
A number of the articles that I have found on this subject list the following as some of the various benefits of completing jigsaw puzzles:
- enhances visual perception
- hones coordination
- improves memory
- develops critical thinking
- increases dopamine production in the brain
- heightens creativity
- stimulates the whole brain
The Psychological Benefits of Puzzles
For decades, scientists have attempted to measure the benefits of puzzles on the human mind. Although almost all researchers agree that puzzles help cognitive processes, the benefits depend upon a number of other factors, including one's original mental stamina, whether or not one chooses challenging puzzles, and the amount of dedication one has to finding the solutions. In addition, researchers find that doing puzzles daily tends to be most effective. Here are just five of the main psychological benefits of regular puzzle use.
Improved Memory
Puzzles strengthen the connections between brain cells. They create new connections for improved thinking and mental speed. Puzzles are beneficial for all ages. After all, the young have extremely malleable brains, and older people are more prone to memory problems in the first place. Jigsaw puzzles are especially good for short-term memory because people have to remember colors, shapes, and the big picture while determining which pieces fit together.
Heightened Creativity
A good puzzle causes participants to think about things in new ways. Even if an idea is not the solution to a puzzle, all out-of-the-box thinking helps train the mind to work in new ways. Puzzles require experimentation and the application of the scientific method. By forming hypotheses and testing them, people reap the benefits of coupling imagination with empirical inquiry. This is the kind of creativity that lends itself to invention, discovery, and problem solving skills in any field.
Facilitating the Whole Brain Approach
Puzzles require people to see things simultaneously in terms of parts and wholes. They require both logic and creativity. As different regions of the brain work together to achieve the best results, the brain trains itself to integrate different types of thinking for long-term benefits. In fact, studies show that subjects like mathematics are best understood when the whole brain can work together on tasks. Isolated brain regions see just one facet of a situation, but educators find that the whole brain approach is much more effective for deep, lasting understanding.
Dopamine Production
The brain produces several neurotransmitters that help the brain communicate with itself and the rest of the nervous system, commanding the body to do certain things. Puzzles are known for their power to help the brain produce the neurotransmitter dopamine. While doing puzzles, the brain releases dopamine in response to small and large breakthroughs. Benefits of dopamine include a positive mood, better concentration, improved memory, and good motor skills. Dopamine is associated with reward-driven learning, meaning that the brain reinforces learning with an influx of dopamine. Working on puzzles gives the brain a natural reason to create a more desirable brain chemistry. The increase of dopamine reinforces the habit of using puzzles. This is why many people feel a strong desire to keep trying puzzles that are more and more challenging.
Meditation
While puzzles stimulate the brain, they also relax it. Studies show that just looking at a puzzle and pondering possible solutions actually helps the mind stay calm. The brain enters a state of meditation. Benefits include greater peace and perspective to aid in stress management. Meditation is also known to boost self-confidence. Of course, solving a puzzle helps boost confidence all on its own.