Piecing it Together: Benefits of Doing Puzzles During Quarantine

This year has been difficult for all of us. Our world has been turned completely upside down due to COVID-19 and it is hard to retain any sense of normalcy when we are stuck at home all day, especially when we are trapped in an environment of sisters and brothers getting on your nerves, moms dancing in the backgrounds of our Google Meets, and saying the words “I am in class” at least five times a day. In addition to this, we are glued to a screen all day, and for once not by choice. I, for one, needed other things to do to relax, and I found that kind of solace through puzzles.

Puzzles are actually surprisingly beneficial for the brain, as they increase mental activity and agility. It is even known to cut down on the chances of dementia, or memory loss, and Alzheimer's, though some say that this might be a myth.

Another way that puzzles can improve cognitive skills is through collaborating on them with others. Apparently when working in groups “your speed of thinking and talking enhances.”

Not only do they exercise and expand upon your cognitive ability, but puzzles also are a great way to relieve stress, which I am sure we all have plenty of, given COVID, school, and by the way, the quarter ending soon… so puzzles can definitely be good for that.

The fascinating thing is, though, that no culture throughout history seemed to be missing out on the plethora of benefits that puzzles have to offer. I mean think about it...the Spanish trick lock of 1690, the Labyrinth in Ancient Greece in 2300 BC, even the famous riddle given by the Sphinx in Egypt. Fascinating indeed.

And of course, let’s not forget the ultimate satisfaction, the glimmering triumph one experiences from completing a puzzle. Nothing can match that feeling, whether this puzzle is of words, numbers, or physical pieces.

So, after seeing the many benefits puzzles have, check out the image at the bottom of this article; a crossword puzzle regarding some simple facts about CGS that are good to know. I hope you will enjoy it (by the way, I apologize if the numbers are a little blurry)!