With the current pandemic putting a pause on everyone’s lives on hold, we were forced to adapt to ways of dealing with the new normal. Quarantine and lockdowns happened across the globe. Even though we slowly see the light from this dark tunnel, with vaccines becoming available for people, it is still hard to go back to the old normal.
One of the many challenges we are faced during this trying time is keeping ourselves busy in the comfort of our own homes. People have discovered new hobbies to entertain themselves and hopefully affect those around us. If you are still looking into finding a new addition to your go-to quarantine leisure, here’s one thing to consider: jigsaw puzzles.
It may look quite a handful to take in at first, but it is guaranteed to give you immense satisfaction once you finish a piece. It comes in different types, sizes, designs, and the number of pieces for you to consider. Different types of jigsaw puzzles include new cardboard puzzles, old cardboard puzzles, wooden puzzles, educational puzzles, 3D puzzles and many more. If this is still not quite enough to convince you to kick start your puzzle journey, here are some benefits you can gain from this activity.
Benefits of Jigsaw Puzzles
Doing puzzles has been proven as a good cognitive mental exercise. The act of putting puzzle pieces together requires concentration and visual-spatial reasoning. It allows your mind to be put in an exercise that helps spark imagination and creativity as you go.
Improved memory and a greater sense of attention to detail are some of the biggest benefits one can gain from this hobby. When you pick up a piece or search among the pile of pieces, your mind is put to work to visualisewhat image or colour you are looking for. It puts the part of your brain in charge of storing information in action, therefore, aiding in maintaining and improving short-term memory.
When solving puzzles, you most probably need to take different approaches to solve problems. These skills make you more innovative in problem-solving, better adaptive, and more critical thinking skills.
This activity further helps in increasing one’s productivity. Isn’t it easier to focus when you are happier and less stressed? Productivity rises when concentration improves. Sometimes the solution when having trouble keeping your focus on studies or work is to take a break and reset your brain. Building puzzles help you disconnect and rest for a while and come back refreshed after.
Moreover, puzzles are a great way to incorporate teamwork and collaboration. Working on puzzles together in the workspace or at home supports in creating better relationships. It can make way for people to have a better mood and motivation.
Feeling of Accomplishment
This leisure pastime offers a way to break up the monotony that can be caused by quarantine. It provides a feeling of escape when you have a clear goal of finishing a jigsaw puzzle piece. Because they also come in different designs, puzzle images produce a sense of calm and relief for people doing it.
Imagine owning finished wooden puzzles and having them displayed in your room, and remembering what you went through building it, feels good, right? Start with puzzles with a small number of pieces to help engage in this activity. The sense of accomplishment that comes with it could serve as your motivation to begin looking for the puzzle piece to complete you.
