Puzzle games are not just a way to “kill time” but also bring surprising benefits that can help you feel happy and sharp.
Puzzle games come in many shapes and sizes – they can range from a few pieces to thousands of pieces. The first puzzle game appeared in the 1760s when European mapmakers glued maps onto wooden pieces and cut them into small parts.
There are many reasons why we choose to complete puzzles: to challenge ourselves, to relax and de-stress, or to socialize if you complete the puzzle with others.
If you are familiar with puzzles, you probably know they can be both “frustrating” and satisfying – depending on how easy or hard it is to fit the pieces together.
Puzzle games are not just a way to “kill time” but also come with some surprising health benefits.
Playing puzzles can help you feel happy and sharp. (Source: Rest Less)
According to Rest Less, here are some ways this game can help enhance your health:
Good for Physical Health
Puzzle games can help you relax, reducing your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rhythm.
They can also be very beneficial for improving and maintaining motor skills (making it easier to manipulate small objects).
Puzzles Keep Your Mind Sharp
Completing a “challenging puzzle” requires problem-solving skills, memory, and visual perception. Therefore, studies show that puzzle games can be an effective way to exercise your brain and combat cognitive decline.
Make You Feel Happy
When you fit a piece correctly, there is evidence that your brain produces more dopamine, which creates feelings of “happiness,” leading to a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
Some people also compare completing a puzzle to meditation, as it brings a sense of peace and tranquility. Therefore, studies show that taking time to focus on puzzles can reduce stress and anxiety.
Helps You Connect with Family and Friends
Solving puzzle games can be more fun when you explore the “answers” with others.
The game can be more enjoyable when you explore the ‘answers’ with others. (Source: Rest Less)
Why not start a puzzle game on a table in your home where others can easily join you? This can encourage family or friends to put together a few pieces whenever they have time.
Playing puzzles can also be an effective way to spend time with children.
Benefits for Children
We all know that children’s minds can “jump” from one thing to another. Puzzle games can help children focus better.
Additionally, there are many learning benefits when solving puzzles. For example, themed puzzles can be a good way to help children learn everything from colors and letters to numbers and shapes.
Puzzles Give You Time for Yourself
Puzzle games are great if you need a little “me time.” You can temporarily detach yourself from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and the constant stimulation of today’s digital world.
Helps You Reduce “Screen Time”
Spending too much time in front of a screen is not good for your health – it can affect your eyes, brain health, sleeping habits, and weight. However, finding ways to minimize screen time can be challenging.
Playing puzzles can encourage you to take breaks from your phone, computer, and TV. Puzzle games are also very “engaging”: You can easily lose track of hours, realizing you haven’t picked up your phone at all!
The First Puzzle Game According to Rest Less, British mapmaker John Spilsbury created the first puzzle game in the 1760s. He glued a world map onto a piece of wood, cut out each country, and challenged people to reassemble it. Spilsbury then marketed this game to wealthy and influential individuals as a way to teach their children about geography. The first cardboard puzzle appeared in the late 1800s. Initially, these did not replace wooden puzzles as manufacturers believed that cardboard would be seen as lower quality. The profit from wooden puzzles was also higher. By the early 20th century, puzzles became more popular. Companies like Parker Brothers – a U.S. toy and game company – began producing puzzles in various styles. It wasn’t until the 1950s that new techniques for making cardboard puzzles improved, leading to products of “good quality.” Since then, the manufacturing techniques for cardboard puzzles have not changed much. Puzzles come in many sizes and styles. Some puzzles are small enough to make “refrigerator magnets,” while others are larger, with 300, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, 4,000… up to 40,000 pieces. They also come in various shapes, including round, square, oval, and even 3D and 4D. The designs of puzzle games are countless, featuring images of animals, cartoons, flowers, movies, landscapes, and vehicles. You can even turn your photos into puzzles. |
