Puzzles might seem like playtime but hidden inside the challenge are multiple mind and body benefits! So, before you run and order a new adult puzzle from A2PLAY, let's break it down with 6 hidden puzzle benefits:
1: Puzzles Build Better Moods
There is a great benefit to solving puzzles; it stimulates brain activity and releases dopamine. This neurotransmitter is responsible for regulating mood and optimism. It also affects learning, memory, concentration, and motivation. Every time we complete a puzzle and even every time we fit just ONE piece into place, dopamine is released. This encourages us to continue to finish the puzzle and challenge our brains. Once your puzzle is complete - you’ll feel absolutely amazing!
2: Puzzles Are Like a Workout for Your Brain!
Puzzles are a great way to keep your mind active and healthy. It gives your mind the chance to engage in a task that requires a great deal of thought, concentration, and patience. People often say that keeping your mind active helps you feel and be more active. Keeping your mind active will also enable you to reduce stress levels and reduce fatigue!
3: Improve Your IQ
One of the most valuable benefits of puzzle-solving for adults is that it helps to improve IQ scores. IQ stands for “intelligence quotient”. Working on puzzles reinforce the connections between our brain cells and form new ones – so they are a great way to improve short-term memory. We use memory in the process of completing a jigsaw puzzle when we remember shapes, sizes, and pieces and visualize where they fit in. Studies have shown that the brain connections formed help to reduce brain damage in Alzheimer's patients.
4: Sharpen Your Spatial Visual Intelligence
Spatial visual intelligence is one of the multiple intelligences introduced by Howard Gardner. Spatial visual intelligence is the intelligence of thinking and learning with images, understanding the shape of patterns and the space of an object, including thinking creatively.
Studies conducted by the University of Chicago, the United States, in 2011 show that people who play with puzzles have better spatial-visual skills than those who do not. This is because recognizing and understanding the shape, size, color, and space are sharpened through playing the puzzle.
5: Puzzle Games Train Social Skills
Parents or grandparents can choose puzzles that can be solved together with others. Sit down and bond with your child while you piece together a puzzle. Or take out puzzles while your kid has a playdate. In this way, your child will learn how to work and play with others. They will learn about patience, cooperation, and taking turns.
6: Puzzles to Increase Productivity
When you are happier and less stressed, it is easier to focus. When your concentration improves, your productivity skyrockets. If you're having trouble staying focused on your studies or work, consider taking a short break to do a puzzle and reset your brain. Many offices are beginning to include puzzles and similar games in their resting areas. These games help employees disconnect from work for a few minutes and come back refreshed and ready to start again.