The Unexpected Brain Boost from a Classic Pastime
Looking for a fast, screen-free way to sharpen your mind? A familiar activity is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, offering a surprisingly powerful boost to focus and cognitive function. This pastime – jigsaw puzzling – isn’t just enjoyable; it actively engages and strengthens your brain.
The benefits stem from what neuroscientists call bilateral integration: the coordinated activity of both brain hemispheres. “Simultaneous activation of multiple brain areas is bilateral integration. It’s when the two hemispheres work together to strengthen neural connections,” explains emily Davenport, an art and psychotherapist.
This integrated activity builds cognitive reserve, sometimes referred to as cognitive resilience.Dr. joel Salinas, a specialist in Alzheimer’s disease at New york University, notes that this stimulation helps the brain better adapt to age-related changes or illness, perhaps delaying cognitive decline. Research cited by Dr. salinas indicates that individuals over 50 who regularly engage in puzzling demonstrate improved performance on broader cognitive assessments.
So, what makes puzzling so effective? It’s the complex interplay of cognitive skills required. Assembling a jigsaw puzzle simultaneously exercises visual perception,working memory,fine motor skills,and problem-solving abilities. This “synchronized gymnastics” supports overall brain health, leading to a feeling of increased alertness and improved concentration.
beyond cognitive enhancement, puzzles offer a welcome mental break. Dr. Salinas points out that focusing on the task at hand can quiet intrusive thoughts, reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation – effectively acting as a form of mindfulness meditation. The sense of accomplishment upon completion further elevates mood, which is often linked to cognitive performance. Davenport suggests it’s a beneficial activity to incorporate into your daily routine, either to kickstart your morning or unwind before bed.
You don’t need to dedicate hours to reap the rewards. starting with just 10-15 minutes, either in the morning to enhance attention or in the evening to disconnect from screens, can be effective. Creating a dedicated space and making it a regular ritual can help. Puzzling can be a solitary activity for relaxation or a social experience with family. Look for indicators like a calm state, sustained concentration, and consistent progress.
To maximize the benefits and maintain brain plasticity,it’s important to continually challenge yourself. “New experiences cause the brain to adapt and can encourage the growth of new synaptic connections,” explains Dr. Salinas. Simply repeating the same easy puzzle provides diminishing returns. Instead, gradually increase the piece count, explore different image types, or try new puzzle formats. It’s through this ongoing challenge that the benefits of puzzles on the brain truly solidify.
