Kids today may not even know how to play puzzles particularly those who have grown up playing video games. Adults on the other hand are the other way around. More and more of them are turning to puzzles to relax and unwind or to challenge their brains. The following are some of the best benefits of puzzles and mind teasers for adults.
Improves Memory
Solving puzzles and mind teasers can reinforce the connections in our brain cells. It also aids in generating new relationships which can improve mental speed and cognitive processes. Jigsaw puzzles are helpful in improving short-term memory. The short-term memory is what helps adults remember colors, shapes, and to see the bigger picture for us to see which pieces fit.
Enhanced IQ
Puzzles can offer improvements to vocabulary, reasoning, and memory. That means that it is not surprising that puzzles can help increase one’s IQ. A research from the University of Michigan revealed that a person’s IQ can be increased by 4 points after spending 25 minutes daily solving puzzles.
Enhanced Mood
Playing puzzles and other mind teasers can increase our brain’s production of dopamine. It’s a neurotransmitter that regulates a person’s mood and feelings of optimism. Dopamine has an effect on memory, motivation, and concentration. It is released each time a piece of a puzzle is placed in the right place or if the puzzle is completely solved.
Enhanced Attention to Detail
Attention to detail is important in solving a puzzle or any mind teaser. This is especially true for jigsaw puzzles that have tiny pieces. This entails training the eyes to distinguish the slightest differences in color and shape that will help you to complete the puzzle.
This attention to detail is important to adults. At work, if you are detailed and precise in your tasks, you become more productive.
Exercises Your Brain
Much of the brain activities are on the frontal and temporal lobes. They are all found behind the forehead. It’s a faulty generalization to think that reading books and calculating taxes are enough to exercise the mind. In reality, these are not enough. The brain demands a proper workout that challenges it and pushes it to function more.
Decreases Stress Levels
Puzzles challenge us, but they also help us to relax more. Our brains turn to Alpha state from beta state or the wakeful state. The Alpha state is much like the state when we are dreaming. There are many benefits to this phenomenon. It enables you to have deeper connections, releases stress, improves the mood, improves the mindset, and increases one’s self-confidence.
Delay Dementia and Alzheimer’s
By keeping the brain active, puzzles can aid in delaying the effects of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. An active brain has reduced brain cell damage and is refreshed with new nerve cells.
