Are puzzles good for the brain? This post explores the science behind puzzles and brain health.
Puzzling fans know the satisfying feeling of locking in that final puzzle piece. But, are the rewards psychological, or is something more at work? Let’s explore if unwinding with a puzzle at the end of a long day benefits brain health according to studies.
Many people believe that doing puzzles can help keep your brain in tip-top shape. Does the science back this notion? While expert opinions vary, according to many studies we have found, the benefits are real.
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According to neurology researchers, focusing on a puzzle is like meditation. From a neurological perspective, how your brain processes solving a puzzle is fascinating. It goes like this:
When you look at a piece, the information enters your brain through your eyes. Next, the info passes through the occipital cortex and enters two discrete pathways. These pathways process information from a “what” and “where” perspective. The brain is processing what the piece looks like and where you put it (with similar colors or patterns). It integrates the information so you can remember it later. It’s a complex, multi-step, and multi-faceted process. With each small piece, the brain is running this complex process.
Through this process, your brain is practicing its cognition and visual-spatial reasoning. Other benefits, according to studies, include improving concentration, short-term memory, and problem-solving skills.
Yet, not all experts are picking puzzles to boost brain health. Per the American Heart Association, "It can help you concentrate if you spend an hour or two doing puzzles." But while "it's good because you're exercising your brain ... don't expect too much from it."
The also article reveals the link between brain and heart health. Activities with good (or bad) effects on your heart will have similar impacts on your brain.
Puzzles improve our concentration, problem-solving, and cognition. But what about that rush of accomplishment that comes from completing a puzzle?
Our customers tell us that puzzles provide a sense of accomplishment and help to unwind from a long day.
Turns out there’s a scientific reason for that: dopamine and serotonin.
Per the Health in a Heartbeat podcast, people produce dopamine while doing a puzzle. Dopamine is a hormone responsible for that good feeling of accomplishment. It also plays a role in improving memory, mood, sleep, concentration and body movement.
Serotonin boosts happiness, well-being, and contentment. Studies have also shown that puzzling boosts serotonin levels, boosting our sense of happiness and accomplishment.
Puzzles are also believed to be beneficial in reducing stress. Chronic stress can alter the balance of your brain’s chemistry, reducing dopamine and serotonin levels.
Per a Forbes wellness blogger, “Solving puzzles can be a great mindfulness exercise that helps redirect your attention to the present moment. By fully immersing yourself in the task at hand, your brain enters a state of flow, similar to when you’re meditating.”
We agree! If you’re seeking a potential brain-boosting activity, consider joining our puzzle subscription.
Check out our collection of blogs that dig into other puzzling benefits:
Share your mind: What benefits do you get from puzzling?