Could Puzzles be the Mindfulness Hobby You’re Missing?
Why the humble puzzle is the slow living hobby you need in your life.
Family Friendly Activity for Your Next Trip
My family has been bringing a puzzle on vacation for the last 10 years. We usually stick with a 1,000 piece puzzle. My aunt and I are the big puzzlers, but everyone eventually drifts in and out to pick out an edge piece or just marvel at how many pieces we still have to go. It’s a conversation starter or a chance to connect.
Not looking forward to the next trip with the in laws? Having a puzzle is a great excuse to step away and have a minute to yourself too.
The Brain Boosting Benefits of Puzzling
Turns out there’s several reasons we love puzzle so much. Studies show that people who regularly puzzle experience delayed or reduced symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Puzzles engage multiple brain functions too, including perception, working memory, and reasoning.
They also offer some emotional benefits by increasing dopamine, a chemical that regulates our mood. A small study even showed puzzles can reduce cortisol, the stress hormone responsible for the 3AM wake up call.
They require our full focus in a way scrolling doesn’t.
A Low Cost, High ROI Hobby
I’m a public library girlie and lots of public libraries loan puzzles so it's a low cost (and low waste) hobby. Used bookstores frequently sell puzzles. I swap them with a friend who also loves a good puzzle.
They’re also scratch the itch when I need a little retail therapy. I love to gift the Cavallini & Co. puzzles. They look beautiful and have a puzzle for every theme. This Tarot Card Puzzle is my most recent purchase.
Puzzles are the low-tech hobby your brain has been craving.
A Chance to Disconnect
I’m all for an excuse to step away from my phone. I’ve been combining a puzzle with my evening tea routine for a 30 minute digital detox. Maybe you’re trying to implement a slow Saturday morning? Yes, please.
Start this weekend with your favorite latte, a bagel, and a new puzzle. You’ll feel better than if you jumped right into the scroll. Start off small with a 240 piece puzzle to build a little momentum before you graduate to a 500 or 1,000 piece puzzle.
Want more? Check out the books I’ve finished and would recommend when you need more than a puzzle to escape reality.
This post contains affiliate links, but all opinions, and puzzles, are my own.
