Puzzles Can Improve Your Mood!

One of the brain benefits of puzzles is that they increase the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, memory, and concentration. Dopamine is released with every success as we solve the puzzle. No wonder puzzles are so much fun! Experts say: “If you’re doing a puzzle, you are, by definition, disconnected and engaged in a task that’s immersive, away from the interruptions and stresses of day-to-day life. And that, of course, is good for your brain.” Puzzles are a sort of meditation because you are focused on only that thing. They help you stay in the moment, which relieves stress.

In fact, during the pandemic many people are turning to puzzles to help cope. People now have more free time at home, and engaging in low key and grounding activities is perfect for maintaining a good mood. Not only does it distract you when you are feeling down, but it is a healthy outlet for anger and frustration. Funneling pent up energy into a task like solving a puzzle is a great way to direct your feelings and turn them into a positive outcome.

Stress relief from puzzles is also fantastic for brain health. The stress hormone in your body, cortisol, creates inflammation. Inflammation is essentially the root cause of all disease, and inflammation in the brain is thought to contribute to cognitive decline. Also, when you are stressed it is harder to think more clearly, so destressing from puzzles helps your brain in the moment as well, not just in the long term!