Puzzles Are Great For Your Brain

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1 Puzzles Are Great For Your Brain Jigsaw puzzles are around for a long time. Jigsaw puzzles have been in use since the 17th century. They evolved from being made of wood and were later transformed into an entire industry that targets both children and adults. They've endured the test of time with their educational and tranquil hours. What research is now showing is that these "toys" offer longlasting advantages to our health and overall well-being. As children We were likely exposed to puzzles. They're toys that teach words, shapes, and colors, and provide a peaceful and focused time for parents and children. They are often used in waiting areas to relax and in schools to teach. The latest research is proving the real-world benefits of continuing the habit through adulthood. Studies, like the MacArthur study, has proven that keeping your mind engaged by playing jigsaws, puzzles, or other brain-training activities can boost the duration of your life and improve the quality of your living. It also reduces the likelihood of developing mental diseases, like memory loss and dementia. For more information click here. What is the secret behind how this simple toy achieve such incredible feats? It's probably due to simultaneous brain use on both sides. The left brain hemisphere of the brain, our analytical side, sees all of the separate pieces and attempts to sort them out in a rational manner. The right brain hemisphere our creative side, sees the "big picture" and is able to work intuitively. Both types of thinking are needed in order to successfully piece the puzzle. When we work both the left and right brains at the same time, we build "connections" between them, as well as between individual brain cells. These connections increase our ability to learn, to comprehend and remember. Furthermore, even the act of completing a puzzle or placing one piece in the correct order, increases dopamine production. Dopamine is a brain chemical that improves memory and improves learning. The connections formed while solving jigsaws aren't only restricted to brain cells. Engaging both sides of our brain simultaneously allows the brain to move from a Beta state, the wakeful mind, to the "Alpha" state, the same mental state experienced while sleeping. In the Alpha state is when we access the subconscious mind. This state is normally triggered by Jigsaw puzzles, which triggers an imaginative, focused and creative state which allows for more profound connections. Jigsaw puzzles are an original activity that allows us to attain a state of creativity concentration, as well as an enjoyable activity that gives a sense of accomplishment. They offer many advantages for brains. The subconscious may be even more important in helping us piece into the puzzle we call life. Why Jigsaw Puzzles are Great for The Brain The human mind is split into two hemispheres, also known as lobes. Each is focused on distinct tasks. The right brain handles emotions and performs tasks in an integrated way while the left brain operates in a linear manner. When you are able to use both the sides of the brain, you will

2 find that your mind capabilities are at its best and gets better. Jigsaw puzzles allow you to exercise both sides of your brain. Left brain is logical and follows a sequence, whereas the right brain is creative emotional, intuitive and intuitive. You can combine both your ability to think and your logic to put together the puzzle. When working on puzzles using jigsaws, it has been studied that there exists continuous activity thought the brain which involves all the cells and regions of the brain. The intense activity helps train brain cells, and consequently stimulate them. It also helps enhance their effectiveness and capacity too.