The brain science of puzzles

[julieolson]

Accidentally learned as an adult that I liked puzzles. The Zen-like feeling I would get made it hard to tear myself away. Hours would pass without me worrying about a thing. Approximately a decade later I took up drawing and simple painting. The feeling was similar, with a complete reprieve from rumination or worry. There were differences in the activities, each having their own benefits. One of the major positive aspects of puzzles was the lack of prep time. A large puzzle in progress on a dedicated table can be stopped and resumed at any time, and for any lenght of time. Great video.

[nerudaad]

I feel relaxed doing puzzles. Good to know that science backs it up

[tamerajohnson]

I always did puzzles as a child in my family home and grandparents home. I always associated puzzles with my dad. We always did them together. Then I started doing them with my son as I taught him his colors and shapes and numbers as a 3 and 4 year old. Now I do them on digital because I just don't have the space to store them. I will always have the last puzzle my father and I ever did together.

[jungersrules]

One very impactful quote I ran across + starting puzzling, has drastically decreased my anxiety. I often puzzle with my favorite podcast in the background.

[mikatu]

Everything that keeps your mind active is good! No matter if it is puzzles or sudokus or crosswords.
We need to keep active, otherwise the decline will ensue. I started puzzling two weeks ago and I am hooked!

[hmrbrd]

I finished 2, 1000 piece puzzles in 2 and a half days. Was having some emotional anxiety. The process helped to clear my mind and feel relaxed. I have always been a fan of puzzles and had not done them for a number of years. This experience has rekindled the NEED to do more puzzling!!!✌😊💕💙🎉

[kathyrussell]

Great article. I used to do puzzles with my kids, and then we got a cat. Years later, my grandsons outgrew their Lego, and I took over their collection. Building with Lego gives my the same calmness and focus that puzzling did all those years ago.

[djs]

I love puzzles, and have always noticed their unique effect. Zen!

[emaw]

I have recently taken up doing puzzles as a hobby. I find some difficulty, owing to mental health related woes... But when I get into it it is hugely satisfying, and highly rewarding. It even provides an escape from personal issues, going to buy puzzles, choosing from many beautiful images, and watching as a happy picture comes together in front of me.☺️☺️ No regrets!

[jenniferwinsor]

I love puzzles. Particularly, there’s a sweet spot of the number of pieces versus the complexity of the image that equates with the satisfaction with the puzzle. My family found doing puzzles somewhat therapeutic after tragically and unexpectedly losing my mother. Part of that was we were gathering more (as loss reminds us family and friends are most important in life) but, also we were going through a situation that couldn’t be changed or an unsolvable problem so a puzzle was a solvable problem.

[kcvriess]

It helped my sister when she was "sick" at home, burned out from her job. It helped her to unwind and recoup. Now that I'm in the same place where she was a couple of years ago, I guess I should buy a huge puzzle too. Or, maybe start small. She did 2000 piece puzzles. I could start at 500 pieces.

[dustyrose]

I have just started my second puzzle and I know I’ll be doing many more. I suffer from what I call anxiety. I can’t tell you how different I’ve been feeling since starting doing puzzles. I believe my brain is reacting in just the way you described. Can’t wait to get back to my puzzle tomorrow. Thank you.

[davesappleton]

Wow!!! So glad I happened upon this and have subscribed. Extremely informative. Very interesting mentioning of Transient Hypofrontality. Many times I do my puzzles while I’m listening to a book on tape. The result of this confluence is that I’m mentally “transported “ to another world where time becomes a blur/nonexistent and the enjoyment of puzzling become heightened. Dopamine seems be released almost in waves. This a very, very surreal experience and is extremely addictive.

[MyNaday]

I wrote my thesis regarding behavioural addictions. Pity I didn't see this wonderful document beforehand. Dopamine reward in behaviour in activities is the name of the game

[glallenclan]

If jigsaws aren’t your thing, look up “solo games” as in board games. Heaps out there, so much fun, an basically they are puzzles.

[Amy-shzi]

Thank you for this! I have heard puzzles help with dementia, this just took it to a new level. I am sharing this video with several people.

[janicelantz]

I love puzzles in the winter months. Not so much during the summer months

[qpuzzlesAU]

Absolutely love the insights on how puzzles impact the brain! Puzzles engage both hemispheres, activating problem-solving, memory, and spatial reasoning. The brain science behind transient hypofrontality is fascinating—when we’re deeply immersed in a puzzle, it shifts activity from the prefrontal cortex to more unconscious and creative regions, leading to those wonderful ‘aha!’ moments. Plus, the transferrable skills we gain—like critical thinking and patience—benefit us in everyday life. At QPuzzles, we’re passionate about offering premium quality, Australian-made puzzles, with whimsical cuts and stunning artwork. They’re not just a fun challenge, but also a great way to boost brainpower! Join the puzzle revolution with us!

[RicPuzzles]

This is very insightful and informative, thank you!

[katcat]

Love it!! This came to me at a perfect timing. I suffer from Long Covid, almost 2 years and ongoing. The brain fog is horrendous. Now there is more and more information that the vagus nerve suffers from a dysfunction in a long Covid person... I know of meditation, breathing techniques, humming, yoga, slow walks etc to activate the vagus nerve and I have started to play memory again. Contemplated many times whether puzzles can do that as well. Now I know the answer lol. The Long Covid communities are exchanging information back and forth and I will certainly post your video on social media as well. Many of us (incl. myself) feel highly demented due to concentration problems and memory loss. This is another 'piece of a huge puzzle'. Thank you for that!! Btw, you could actually offer a course directed at LC patients. There are millions of us.