The effects of puzzles on the human mind are well-known and have been discussed thoroughly through multiple psychological studies. However, many graze over the fact that while the process of puzzle solving can lead to developmental advantages, the simple act of solving the puzzle can lead to overall internal stratification of our brain – which leads to a feeling of happiness. Plus, the enjoyment of puzzle solving doesn’t have to be an isolating event. Puzzles can be enjoyed with friends and family. Which has been made easier due to having more puzzles being accessible through an array of mobile apps, which solves the problem of not living your friends and family.
Can Puzzles truly make me happy?
According to puzzle solving enthusiastic around the world – it does! Being able to drift to a new world where all you must focus on is the simplistic yet mentally demand process of putting pieces together. However, scientific researchers have also proven that there is a prominent correlation between puzzle solving and happiness. One communication psychologist stated that the act of puzzle solving can help us achieve undermining sub-goals, and once these sub-goals are achieved, our brains releases endorphins (a chemical that gives us a positive feeling), which leaves us with a satisfied feeling.
Though in an even more simplistic form, solving a complicated puzzle can lead anyone into the mindset of being happy that they were able to solve something placed in front of them. This feeling gives the puzzle solver a newfound admiration for themselves and helps them recognise their cognitive skills. However, players should know the difference between being proud of themselves and being arrogant over their own skills.
Challenging our own mind
As people, we tend to become bored and stagnant if we aren’t being pushed mentally. This phenomenon is commonly seen in the typical workplace – we just become unhappy and feel like each task is mundane. However, solving puzzles can spark that challenge within us and cause us to become happier people in the long run. Having a complex task that we force on ourselves, such as solving a jigsaw puzzle or a puzzle game on our phone, helps us achieve an internal balance. This perfect internal balance stems from us having a task at hand that we know that we are capable of doing. However, we do not know how long it’ll take us to complete it nor if we will be a successful at it the first try.
Though one of the charms of puzzle solving is showing that we can achieve goals that we out our mind to. This leads to the development of a higher self-confidence while also bringing us an internal unity and overall satisfaction.
What puzzles have this effect?
There isn’t just puzzle that you must do to achieve this internal happiness. That’s the best thing about puzzles – they’re diverse. Solving classic puzzles, such as jigsaws, sudoku, and word puzzles can bring happiness, but so can modern puzzles you can find online. Even live escape rooms are considered puzzles and they can bring happiness and satisfaction. No matter what, anything that challenges your brain in the way a puzzle can is guaranteed by science, and by personal experience, to make you smile at the end of the day.