Power of the Puzzle

Meeting a person like Ronnie is a highlight for me because it is one more person that has reached out to me who reveals the 'effects' of what jigsaw puzzles can do for people. For most 'newbies', the experience of jigsaw puzzling is not acknowledged much other than it is a very fun hobby. For others, like Ronnie's discovery, it comes across almost magical. She has given us permission to share her story. This is someone who had never tried a puzzle during her life and with a little boost from a friend, she fell into the passion and benefits of this great hobby. Here's what she said...

The Power of the Puzzle, One Woman's Story

It’s truly a pleasure to chat with you and share my (very brief) personal experience with puzzling. I am 65 years old and have many hobbies but had never done a puzzle in my life (until a few weeks ago).

My neighbour/ friend had one on her table a few weeks ago and asked me if I wanted to try and do it with her. It was a 500 piece, New Yorker magazine cover, cardboard puzzle already started by her. I was a bit intimidated and almost felt “on the spot” but said “sure”.

She worked on one side of the puzzle and I worked the other and it was quiet in the room. Boy!..did I get into it. We were doing it about an hour together and then changed sides a few times and continued.

Later that evening I asked her when she might be doing it again and asked if I could come back. This went on for a few evenings (snacks included) until the puzzle was completed.

She was so 'cute', that when there was just one final piece left she said “you do the honours”. I was SO hooked, but something happened as well. A few things actually.

I ride my Peloton daily and I craft but part of my day has to include doing a puzzle.

Power-of-the-Puzzle
Power-of-the-Puzzle

I fell into a wooden puzzle group on Facebook and started ordering wooden puzzles, my first being one from Stave - really? I did not know this was considered the Rolls Royce of puzzling. In addition, I ordered a Wentworth puzzle. And every day I was puzzling. I ordered Liberty, BCB, and Mosaic too.

Here is the cool part for me. I am somewhat, (LOL) high energy, can be hyper and seldom sit still. Puzzling is teaching me patience, to be still and literally in the moment. As a loyal, long time yogi and someone who meditates nothing is more relaxing for me than doing a puzzle. My mind literally goes empty. I love it!

I am now getting involved in the puzzle community and making friends too. To be 65 years old and find a new passion is a blessing and I hear it’s great for brain health too.

Love to tell the universe what the puzzle process has done for me. Imagine doing an activity that brings you joy and your mind is completely still? Puzzling does this for me!

Ronnie Joy Schultz

Special thanks to Ronnie for allowing us to share her story with us. We hope her story helps 'pay it forward' to others so they may get the opportunity to experience the power of the puzzle too. Please share this with someone who may be struggling with stresses in their life - puzzling does help.

There's More To Jigsaw Puzzles Than Pieces Book by Linda Richard. A compilation of 50+ jigsaw puzzle related topics, tips and tricks written in conversational format for easy, light reading.There's More To Jigsaw Puzzles Than Pieces Book by Linda Richard. A compilation of 50+ jigsaw puzzle related topics, tips and tricks written in conversational format for easy, light reading. Click Here
Puzzle-Hobby

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - With her self-published book and  over 300 jigsaw puzzle reviews,  Linda has established herself as a prominent social media marketing influencer and jigsaw puzzle-preneur.  If you want to send Linda a quick message, visit her contact page here.

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We have collected a massive list of jigsaw puzzles in numerous categories on our Amazon Store link. It's a quick way to browse most current puzzles and/or specific seasons, accessories and themes. Makes for a terrific one-stop jigsaw puzzle gift giving shopping centre. CLICK HERE

About Jigsaw Puzzles: Unveiling the Benefits of Doing Jigsaw Puzzles

A Therapeutic Journey

Jigsaw puzzles have long captivated individuals of all ages, offering not only a fun pastime but also a myriad of benefits for mental well-being. From enhancing cognitive skills to promoting relaxation, the act of piecing together puzzles goes beyond entertainment. In this article, we explore the remarkable benefits of engaging in jigsaw puzzles, shedding light on the positive effects they have on our minds and bodies.

  1. Cognitive Stimulation: Jigsaw puzzles serve as a workout for the brain, stimulating cognitive functions such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and spatial reasoning. As we examine puzzle pieces, analyze patterns, and make connections, our brains become engaged in a captivating mental exercise.
  2. Improved Memory: Engaging in jigsaw puzzles helps enhance short-term memory and reinforce long-term memory. Remembering shapes, colors, and patterns, and recalling their positions throughout the puzzle aids in memory retention and retrieval.
  3. Focus and Concentration: Solving jigsaw puzzles requires sustained focus and concentration. By immersing ourselves in the task at hand, we train our minds to block out distractions, strengthen our attention span, and improve our ability to stay focused on a specific goal.
  4. Stress Relief: Puzzling acts as a therapeutic escape from the stresses of everyday life. As we immerse ourselves in the puzzle-solving process, our minds become engrossed, creating a sense of mindfulness and providing a temporary respite from worries and anxieties.
  5. Boost in Dopamine Levels: Completing a puzzle triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This surge in dopamine creates a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, reinforcing the positive feelings associated with puzzle solving.
  6. Enhanced Fine Motor Skills: Manipulating puzzle pieces and fitting them together requires precise hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Regularly engaging in puzzles can help improve dexterity, agility, and the coordination between our hands and eyes.
  7. Social Interaction: Puzzling can be a social activity that fosters connection and collaboration. Solving puzzles with family or friends encourages communication, teamwork, and shared accomplishment, enhancing social bonds and creating lasting memories.
  8. Patience and Perseverance: Completing a complex puzzle requires patience and perseverance. As we encounter challenges and setbacks, we learn to persist, develop problem-solving strategies, and build resilience—a valuable skillset that extends beyond puzzle-solving.
  9. Mental Relaxation and Mindfulness: The meditative nature of jigsaw puzzles can induce a state of relaxation, promoting mindfulness and reducing stress levels. The repetitive and calming motions of sorting and connecting pieces can have a soothing effect on the mind, allowing for a tranquil escape from daily pressures.
  10. Sense of Achievement: The satisfaction of placing that final puzzle piece and witnessing the complete image provides a profound sense of achievement. This sense of accomplishment boosts self-esteem, instills a sense of pride, and fosters a positive mindset.

By embracing the benefits of jigsaw puzzles, we unlock not only an enjoyable hobby but also a path to mental well-being. Whether you're seeking cognitive stimulation, stress relief, or a moment of mindfulness, engaging in puzzles can enrich your life and provide a therapeutic journey that transcends the puzzle board. So gather your puzzles, sharpen your focus, and embark on this fulfilling adventure of piecing together fragments to create something beautiful and whole.

(ChatGPT, personal communication, June 20, 2023)