The everyday stress of life can feel overwhelming. Your mind is often racing with thoughts of work, family, problem solving, and a myriad of other demanding subjects. Scientific research provides many reasons to include solving jigsaw puzzles as a brain-calming activity.
“Particularly during periods of high stress, becoming immersed in a puzzle can be like practicing mindful meditation,” says Dr. Michelle McCoy Barrett, a clinical psychologist and mindfulness expert. “Relaxing your mind and body, decreasing stress, and even slowing your heart rate and lowering your blood pressure… Puzzles are more than just a way to pass the time.”
Next time you visit the library, pursue a puzzle via our new display in the atrium: Take A Puzzle, Leave A Puzzle. Like our Books-to-Go service, puzzles of various levels of complexity are free for anyone to take!
Come try out a new-to-you puzzle and while you’re at it, drop off any of your puzzles that you’ve already put together and are now ready to share with the next puzzler. Patrons are not required to leave a puzzle in order to take one, but in the spirit of our neighborly theme this February, why not share the love and the brain-boosting benefits?
Stop by soon to take a peek at the new display – and take home your next puzzle.
Please note that puzzles have not had their pieces counted or other quality checking work. Thank you in advance to all puzzle donors for contributing full sets in good condition.
