Q: Researchers say doing this can improve memory, increase IQ, reduce stress and improve mood. What is it?
A: Doing jigsaw puzzles.
Improved Memory
Solving puzzles helps reinforce existing connections between our brain cells. It also increases the generation of new relationships. This, in turn, improves mental speed and thought processes.
Increased IQ
Puzzles provide improvements to our memory and overall reasoning. So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that one of the other benefits of puzzles is that they help raise our IQ (intelligence quotient).
One researcher from the University of Michigan even found that adults could boost their IQ by four points after spending 25 minutes a day playing puzzle games.
Improved Mood
Another one of the benefits of puzzles is that they increase our brains’ production of dopamine.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and feelings of optimism. It also affects memory, concentration, and motivation.
Dopamine is released every time we successfully solve a puzzle — or even just get one piece in the right place. This encourages us to continue working on solving them and challenging ourselves.
Lower Stress Levels
At the same time that puzzles challenge us, they also help us to relax.
Our brains also go from a “Beta,” or wakeful, state to an “Alpha” state when we’re solving puzzles. The Alpha state is similar to the state we’re in when we’re dreaming.
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