Doing puzzles can be a fun and relaxing activity for people of all ages. It’s a great way to spend quality time with family or friends while exercising your brain. Plus, it’s a perfect activity for rainy days or when you need a break from the screens. Focus on its countless advantages.
According to a recent study conducted in Germany by the University of Ulm, completing puzzles can help improve the cognitive performance of older people. The study, which involved nearly 500 participants, found that those who regularly did puzzles had better working memory, processing speed and better executive function than those who did not. Also, the benefits were greatest for those who started doing puzzles later in life.
While it’s unclear exactly how puzzles help improve cognitive performance, it’s believed that they may be a “mental workout” that helps keep the brain active and flexible. Whatever the mechanism, the results suggest that solving puzzles could be a simple and effective way to retain mental acuity as you age. So the next time you’re looking for a way to pass the time, consider grabbing a box of puzzles instead of your phone.
Let’s explore what a simple puzzle game can do.
Increase in the level of your IQ.
To solve a puzzle perfectly, you have to devote all your attention to it, and it is also a game of concentration. Research has shown that doing a puzzle at least once a day increases your IQ level by 4 points. To rearrange the irregular pieces of the puzzle, one must first be able to understand the picture. So for very young children, if they play this game, their IQ automatically increases at a very young age.
Improve short-term memory.
Improving your short term memory by doing puzzles is one of the best hobbies that you will never regret. Nowadays, everyone has a big problem, that of suffering from dementia. Do you tend to forget what you did a few days ago or what you are about to do? Solving a puzzle connects brain cells and improves mental speed. After a few moments of fun, you’ll be amazed at how well you remember everything: From a milestone event to small details.
You teach patience.
The key is to take your time and work methodically. Start by examining the edges of the puzzle and looking for pieces that have unique shapes or colors. Once you have found a few edge pieces, you can start working on the middle of the puzzle. It is important to resist the temptation to force the pieces together. If a part doesn’t seem to fit, set it aside and try another. With a little patience and perseverance, you will eventually find all the pieces that go together. By taking this methodical approach, you can learn to be more patient in other areas of your life as well. Whether you’re trying to accomplish a difficult task at work or coping with a difficult personal situation, learning to be patient can make all the difference.
Reduce stress by reaching a meditative phase.
According to studies, puzzles stimulate the brain while allowing us to rest our minds. Meditation involves concentrating on a single puzzle piece for several minutes at a time while closing your mind to all other thoughts. You will feel free from daily stress. As well as the resulting feeling of serenity, you will slow down your heart rate and reduce your blood pressure.
Decrease the stress level.
When you are busy solving the puzzle, you give your full attention to this game. Your mind is only working on how to solve the puzzle and get a perfect picture. During this time, you cannot think of anything, especially what is bothering you. This is where your body feels more relaxed and endorphins will be released. This generally helps to relax you and take away the stress of everyday life.
Have a better and longer life.
Doing puzzles can help seniors stay sharp and active, both mentally and physically. They often require the use of fine motor skills as well as problem solving, two areas that can deteriorate with age. As we age, it is important to keep the mind active and stimulated in order to maintain the acuity of our cognitive abilities. Games and puzzles are a great way to do this, and they can also be social activities when played with other people.
Additionally, many puzzles require movement to find or solve the pieces, which can help seniors stay physically active. Even simple tasks like these can help increase flexibility and mobility, as well as improve balance. Also, doing puzzles can help reduce stress and anxiety, and may even promote better sleep. In other words, there are many benefits to completing puzzles, both mentally and physically.
