September 2019 Jigsaw Puzzle Exchange

Calling all jigsaw puzzlers! Summer break is over! Time for another exchange. Bring all the puzzles you would like to trade in for new ones. I encourage you to let all your family and friends know about this event so they can trade their puzzles too!

Thought you might enjoy this article:

Are Jigsaw Puzzles Therapeutic ?!
by Cari Doucette | Mar 23, 2017 |

Why yes they are! Think about how relaxed you become when you are completely enthralled in a gamut of blue puzzle pieces. Which one is the perfect fit for that one little spot? Don’t you feel serene? YES! Jigsaw puzzles are quite therapeutic indeed! They allow for increased mental stimulation, increased “good-feelings”, and improved Interactions with others.

It’s exercising that ever-so-important muscle “The Brain” that makes it stronger. For people with dementia, the brain muscle has begun to deteriorate and we want to counteract that by giving it a great workout every day. Just like going for a walk to make our legs stronger, if the brain is given a great workout, theoretically, its memory and thinking capabilities should improve.

Not only do jigsaw puzzles provide a great exercise for the brain, they can also put us into an amazing therapeutic trance like state. Because solving these puzzles requires the use of both sides of our brain simultaneously, we are allowed to fall into a serene state of mind where we not only have increased levels of dopamine surging through our brain, but also have a lowered breathing/heart rate, reducing blood pressure and contributing to an improvement in our overall physical well-being.

When completing together as a group, jigsaw puzzles can aid in improved communications and interactions with others. Instead of cultivating a sense of competitiveness against one another, a feeling of comradery can form, which encourages cooperation in other activities. While observing the puzzle, there is opportunity for conversation and reminiscing between all parties involved.

Source: http://www.giannahomes.org/memory-care/are-jigsaw-puzzles-therapeutic/