It comes as no surprise that we love to sing the praises of jigsaw puzzles!
If you're new to puzzling (perhaps you started one for the first time in lockdown) or on the fence and wondering if you should give it a go, we've put together a round-up of all the wonderful advantages and benefits jigsaw puzzles have to offer.
For all the experienced puzzlers out there, hopefully these benefits should be familiar, but there might be one or two you didn't know about... have a read and find out!
They decrease stress and make you happier!
There's no doubt about it, slotting together a particularly troublesome section, or finally finding the missing piece of a chunk of puzzle definitely gives you a 'feel-good factor'. Jigsaws are such a great mood booster they can help to wash away the stress of the day and are generally a good activity to stave off boredom.
Puzzling is largely likened to meditation, and are a great tool for practicing mindfulness as they require you to be in the moment.
They're visually inspiring to look at
Puzzles have a wonderful ability to decorate and brighten your home, like a decoration or a piece of art. Whatever your tastes or interests, there's such a variety of puzzle images and illustration on offer there's definitely something to suit everyone! A fine art puzzle is like having your own little masterpiece! Some people prefer traditional chocolate box style and nostalgic village scenes, while there's definitely a range of modern and contemporary puzzles to pull jigsaws into the 21st century. With so much attention to detail, you can't help but feel joy when the pieces come together to form a picture you really love!
They can improve your problem-solving ability
Completing puzzles demands us to think laterally and 'outside the box'. It involves trial and error and encourages us to be more patient and methodical. We also may have to change our perception, the way we look at things, both literally and figuratively, and while all these skills apply to puzzles, they can be transferred into your day-to-day, and work life too. You may find that through puzzling, you become much more adaptive, and are better at critical thinking.
And with piece counts and puzzle cuts suitable for all abilities, it's never hard to find your next challenge and keep up your progression. When standard jigsaw puzzles become a bit too easy, why not try one of our Extra Difficult puzzles - but be warned, these are tricky!
It helps to improve your dexterity
While being creative, puzzling also has the added benefit that you use your hands and boost your co-ordination. Picking up smaller and intricate pieces, turning them over and slotting them together can really work those smaller muscles in your hands, fingers and eyes.
Scientists even recommend training with puzzles if you start to suffer from arthritis or any other reasons why you may have a diminished dexterity, especially as this will help wellbeing in other areas of your life as well. Think of it a bit like 'training'!
Distraction from Screens and Tech
Ever started a puzzle and then realised that a few hours have flown by and you haven’t even picked up your phone? Or that you never thought to switch the TV on in the background?
Time to Log Off have looked into ways we can have a healthier relationship with our phones and other tech, and have even named puzzles as a top analogue activity to do during a digital detox!
Helps you connect with family and friends
Puzzles can be a very social activity… Just put one on a coffee table and see how many people gravitate towards it! It’s a great way to get people to work together towards the common goal of completing the jigsaw, while having a natter and a cup of tea. Puzzles and prosecco also makes an ideal get together on a warm summer evening, or a cosy date night in with a partner. Why not try these jigsaw puzzle ideas for couples?
…Or can be a relaxing time alone
Conversely, some people use their precious puzzling as their own special ‘me-time’. Retreating to your own quiet haven, away from the distractions of the world and getting lost in the puzzle pieces.
They’re great for children too
There’s a reason why puzzles are a popular toy for younger children. They’re great for developing cognitive skills such as shape recognition, problem-solving and memory!
It also helps boost their attention span and hand-eye co-ordination. Finally, some of the puzzle images can be educational too and can help you and your child connect while they learn – how many different types of animals can they spot? Or can they find a particular object within the puzzle? They’ll be having so much fun they won’t realise how much they are learning
Most of Wentworth’s puzzles are made for adults but we do have a range of children’s puzzles too with larger puzzle pieces, perfect for smaller hands – and the best thing is they still include whimsies which add an even more fun element – can they recognise the shapes?
Or can help you later in life
Research has found a link between people who puzzle regularly, and a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or Dementia, plus longer life spans. And the earlier you start puzzles, the lower risk you have, so its never too early to piece together a jigsaw.
There’s a wonderful community of Jigsaw Puzzle Enthusiasts
Even if you are a solo puzzler, there are still plenty of opportunities to connect with like-minded jigsaw lovers. From online forums and Facebook groups to community puzzle swaps, there’s a large variety of ways to show off your latest jigsaw conquest, great or small, and look for the all-important next puzzle for your wish list.
The whole jigsaw puzzle community is friendly, welcoming, and encouraging – especially if our customers and social media followers are anything to go by! You really are a lovely bunch!
Do you find any other benefits from Jigsaw puzzles? Why not let us know on social media by tagging #WentworthPuzzles