Jigsaw puzzles are not only a fun way to 'kill time' but also bring surprising benefits, helping you feel happy and clear-headed.
Jigsaw puzzles come in many shapes and sizes – they can be anything from a few pieces to thousands of pieces. The first jigsaw puzzles appeared in the 1760s when European mapmakers glued maps onto pieces of wood and cut them into small pieces.
There are many reasons why we choose to complete jigsaw puzzles : to challenge ourselves, to relax and relieve stress, or to socialize if you complete the puzzle with others.
If you're familiar with jigsaw puzzles, you'll probably know that they can be both 'boring' and satisfying - depending on how easy or difficult it is to fit the pieces together.
Jigsaw puzzles are not only a fun way to 'kill time' but also have some surprising health benefits.
Playing jigsaw puzzles can help you feel happy and clear-headed. (Source: Rest Less)
According to Rest Less, here are 'ways' this game can help boost your health:
Good for physical health
Jigsaw puzzles can help you relax, lowering your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate.
They can also be great for improving and maintaining fine motor skills (making it easier to manipulate small objects).
Puzzles keep your mind sharp
Completing a 'brain teaser' requires problem-solving skills, memory and visual perception, so studies suggest that jigsaw puzzles can be an effective way to exercise the mind and combat cognitive decline.
Make you feel happy
When you fit a puzzle piece right, there's evidence that your brain produces more of the "happiness" hormone dopamine, which can lead to feelings of accomplishment and fulfillment.
Some people also compare completing a jigsaw puzzle to meditation, as it brings a sense of peace and tranquility. As a result, studies have shown that spending time focusing on a jigsaw puzzle can reduce stress and anxiety.
Helps you connect with family and friends
Solving jigsaw puzzles can be even more fun when you and others discover the 'answer.'
The game can be more fun when you and others discover the 'answer.' (Source: Rest Less)
Why not start a tabletop jigsaw puzzle in your home where others can easily join in? This can encourage family or friends to join you in putting together a few pieces whenever they have time.
Playing jigsaw puzzles can also be an effective way to spend time with your children.
Benefits for children
We all know that children's minds can 'jump' from one thing to another. Jigsaw puzzles can help children concentrate better.
There are also many learning benefits to solving jigsaw puzzles. For example, themed puzzles can be a great way to help children learn everything from colors and letters to numbers and shapes.
Puzzles help you have time for yourself
Jigsaw puzzles are great if you need some 'me time.' You can take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life as well as the constant stimulation of today's digital world.
Helps you reduce 'screen time'
Spending too much time in front of a screen isn't good for our health - it can affect our eyesight, brain health, sleep habits and weight. But finding ways to cut down on screen time can be difficult.
Doing jigsaw puzzles can encourage you to spend time away from your phone, computer, and TV. Jigsaw puzzles are also very 'immersive': You can easily spend a few hours only to realize that you haven't picked up your phone once!
The first jigsaw puzzle
According to Rest Less, English cartographer John Spilsbury created the first jigsaw puzzle in the 1760s. He attached a map of the world to a piece of wood, cut out each country, and challenged people to put it together. Spilsbury then marketed the game to the wealthy and influential as a way to teach their children about geography.
The first cardboard jigsaw puzzles appeared in the late 1800s. They did not initially replace wooden jigsaw puzzles because manufacturers believed that cardboard would be perceived as lower quality. Wooden jigsaw puzzles also had higher profits.
By the early 20th century, jigsaw puzzles became more popular. Companies such as Parker Brothers, an American toy and game company, began producing jigsaw puzzles in a variety of styles.
It was not until the 1950s that cardboard puzzle making techniques improved and resulted in 'good quality' products. Since then, cardboard puzzle making techniques have not changed much.
Jigsaw puzzles come in all shapes and sizes. Some are small enough to be used as 'fridge magnets,' while others are larger, with 300, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, 4,000… all the way up to 40,000 pieces. They also come in all shapes: round, square, oval, and even 3D and 4D.
Jigsaw puzzle designs are also endless, including images of animals, cartoons, flowers, movies, landscapes, and vehicles. You can also turn your own photos into jigsaw puzzles.
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