Jigsaw puzzles are very beneficial to your cognitive health. They sharpen memory, improve concentration and focus, and positively impact critical and logical thinking. There are many ways you can use jigsaw puzzles to improve different aspects of your cognitive health. Here are eight of those ways:
1. Complete with Others
Completing a jigsaw puzzle with others is a fun activity and a way to improve cognitive health. The social interaction involved in this activity is as important as the puzzle itself. It allows you to concentrate on the task at hand while strengthening your social connections, which are vital tasks for your brain.
2. Complete in a Quiet Space
Conversely, completing a jigsaw puzzle alone in a quiet, private place can also be beneficial. This produces meditative effects, which activate the working mind. This is how the brain becomes more efficient, requiring fewer brain cells to complete a task.
3. Repeat Previous Puzzles
Repeating a previous jigsaw puzzle that you have already completed in the past can sharpen memory, so make sure to keep those around and repeat them when you can! You can even time yourself to see how time it takes you to complete that specific puzzle; you can track your times by writing them inside the puzzle box lid.
4. Complete a New Jigsaw Puzzle
While repeating a previously done puzzle can be helpful, completing new puzzles can be helpful as well. It gives you a more complex task, improving critical and logical thinking skills.
5. Choose an Appropriate Puzzle
When selecting a jigsaw puzzle, it’s important to find the right balance. You don’t want a puzzle that’s too easy, as it won’t challenge your brain. Opt for a puzzle with more pieces, but ensure it’s not too complicated and does not lead to frustration. Remember, stress is not good for brain health. Find a puzzle that provides a balanced challenge.
6. Complete When You Need to Reduce Screen Time
Find yourself scrolling too often? This can be detrimental to brain health simply because it is a mindless task. If you notice this pattern of behavior, consider picking up a jigsaw puzzle and giving yourself the brain break that you need.
7. Complete When You Need a Mood Boost
Had a stressful day at work, or have you just had a rough day all around? Pick up a jigsaw puzzle to give yourself a mood boost. A boost in dopamine is great for improving cognitive performance on tasks. Jigsaws will give you that sense of accomplishment, which is what puts you in an overall better mood.
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8. Choose a Puzzle Theme You Love
You can complete so many jigsaw puzzles. Choosing a theme you resonate with can also give your brain the boost it needs and drive it to accomplish something you are proud of.
There are so many ways to use jigsaw puzzles to your benefit. Consider bringing jigsaw puzzles into your life as a daily task that can help you and your brain in the way that you need it to.
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