Since the beginning of the Corona pandemic, puzzle fever has broken out and we spend hours matching each piece to its correct place. But how can this enthusiasm be explained and what health benefits does jigsaw puzzles promise?
The puzzle is experiencing its revival in the corona pandemic. Not only children, but also us adults got puzzle fever during the lockdown. We spend hours sorting small puzzle pieces, working our way from the outside in and are very proud when we have put together landscape motifs, baby animals or landmarks after painstaking work.
Jigsaw puzzles are known to train concentration, encourage abstract thinking and improve fine motor skills. That is why jigsaw puzzles are popular not only in kindergartens, but also in retirement homes. People with dementia can train their mental abilities by doing puzzles. But how can this enthusiasm for puzzles be explained during the corona pandemic and are there other health benefits that puzzles promise?
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Jigsaw puzzles release happiness hormones
“Relaxing and immersing yourself in the stress of everyday life is the main reason for many puzzle fans to put the small pieces together. In addition, in digital and fast-moving times, people are looking for a haptic break, one with feeling and touching,” says a press release from the games and puzzle manufacturer Ravensburger . Demand has increased since the beginning of the corona crisis: in the spring, jigsaw puzzles were almost sold out, and they are still in demand now.
Intelligence researcher Dr. In an interview, Siegfried Lehr spoke of a so-called “flow state” that is reached when doing the puzzle and that releases happiness hormones: “Even during the game, when it is not too easy and not too difficult, many people have times when they forget yourself and everything around you and also the time and be completely focused and just want to keep going.”
So that explains why jigsaw puzzles are getting such a buzz right now. (Jigsaw) piece by piece we create a bit of order and normality that we sorely lack. We are in a state of emergency. The fear of being infected with the new virus, social distancing and wearing a mouth and nose protector dominate our everyday life.
During the corona pandemic, we try to experience as many things as possible digitally: instead of face-to-face meetings, video conferences take place, we sweat in our four walls during an online sports course and make appointments with our loved ones via Zoom or Skype. When it comes to jigsaw puzzles, on the other hand, digital detox is the order of the dayhip, trendy, popular. We’re completely cut off from the outside world and only concerned with folding the pieces of cardboard – no flickering screen, no incoming messages or calls to distract us.
The best tips for jigsaw puzzles
- Beginners should start with an easy variant and save the 5000 piece puzzle for later. That increases motivation!
- The choice of subject is not unimportant. Choose a motif that you like and you will have more fun with your puzzle.
- Before you start to puzzle, create enough space and clear the dining table if necessary. A jigsaw puzzle mat is particularly useful because it can be rolled up without damaging the jigsaw puzzle.
- Jigsaw puzzles put a lot of strain on your eyes, so make sure you have good lighting. It’s best to do the puzzles in daylight and find a seat by the window.
- Sort the pieces by color or by conspicuous objects – this way you can keep track of things.
- You may remember this tip from your childhood days: Always start with the edge, which forms the foundation of the puzzle.
- Assemble conspicuous areas and motifs first. Save solid colors for last.
- Take a break when you get stuck or lose focus.