Puzzles are one of the oldest forms of mental activation and relaxation, dating as far back as 250 BC with the first dissection of a square by Archimedes. With all of the positive effects of brain activity, including that provided by puzzles, there is much to gain from this combination of physical and mental activity.
Different Puzzle Sizes
While 300 piece puzzles are of the most common sizes, compatible with the family working together on these, there is much to gain from play and learning combined. Some puzzles that are included among all of those available for activity:
- Difficult puzzles
- Big jigsaw puzzles
- Hard puzzles
- Moderately difficult puzzles
- Tough puzzles
Additionally, there are so many ranges of jigsaw puzzles in size, whether the difficulty needs to be specified for the activity, or if you have the desire for a larger puzzle to be framed, they may be anywhere from 300 piece puzzles to 2000 piece puzzles.
The Many Benefits of Puzzles
There are many positive effects of puzzle activity for people of all ages, even starting at an early age. It works as a sort of interactive mental activity. With physical movement integrated into the mental work of a puzzle, there is much to gain for positive mood and other benefits. Consider some of the improvements overall that can be gained from the inclusion of puzzles in daily activity:
- The brain makes the most connections among its cells prior to age ten.
- The movement inspired the brain, meaning that physical activity leads to an active brain, meaning that hands-on learning is quite valuable.
- Similar to exercise, the neurotransmitter dopamine is produced for the improved mood when doing puzzles.
- Research has shown puzzles activate brains while providing psychological relaxation, putting brains into a meditative state.
With so much to gain from the inclusion of puzzles in daily activity, there is a combination of improved mood, psychology, and mental clarity. There is plenty to be learned about yourself from taking on the challenge of different sized jigsaw puzzles, with the help of seeing which ones you are able to complete the fastest. Some puzzles are also able to provide a group or family activity on any given day. With this being something easily shared actively between different people without the need for giving up your own interests for someone else’s, it is a fairly neutral event at any time.
