The Value of Jigsaws
Last Night I decided to start one of the Jigsaws I picked up at the auctions on the weekend.
The Jigsaws that were bought were quite old, and I was really hoping all the pieces had made it.
Made in England in the 40’s and 50’s by G.J. Hayter & Co Ltd of Boscombe Bournemouth, “A Military Wedding” had held up quite well. The box wasn’t even taped together, which is a novelty on something this old nowadays.
Starting the first one I found 300 pieces of randomly carved 1/4 inch thick plywood looking at me.
I Started with the edges as you do and delved in. I’ve always had a love for doing jigsaws, puzzles and playing old games. Here are a few of the reasons that completing jigsaws can be good for you.
Benefits
Meditative benefits:
Completing a jigsaw has an affect likened to meditation as it generates a sense calmness and peace. Because our minds are focused, you find yourself concentrating on the puzzle alone which empties our brains of the stresses and anxieties that we face every day. To Be Honest I didn’t know that nearly an hour had passed while doing this one.
Harnesses brain power:
Completing Jigsaws gives both sides of your brain a workout. The left hand side is your logical thinking brain and the right is your creative side. Giving both some heavy lifting is never a bad thing.
Improves problem solving skills:
There is only one endgame – Put all the pieces together to create the image. Although there are many different options, there is only one correct solution which motivates all to see the challenge through. When a lot of the pieces look very alike in shape and colour, it can get interesting.
Fine motor skills:
Especially with the smaller older jigsaws. Careful movements are required to put the puzzle together.
Social skills:
completing a jigsaw with a friend or family member promotes discussion and interaction. As a friend of mine says ‘Team Work makes the Dream Work’.
Independence:
completing a jigsaw puzzle is also a fantastic solo pastime. The hobby is so absorbing that hours can whizz by without you realising!
Memory improvement:
Jigsaws have been proven to help our memories in a number of ways. They are now being linked to reducing the chances of developing certain mental illnesses.
Improves your attention:
Jigsaw puzzles are known to have an addictive affect. Once you start, you simply can’t stop! This was proved last night. I needed to finish the jigsaw before getting my head down for the evening. I had to set my self the target and meet it. The last 50 or so pieces (the hardest bits of green foliage) were just sitting there mocking me, until i completed the jigsaw.
Perseverance and resilience:
There is a huge satisfaction to slotting in the final piece of a frustrating jigsaw. Completing a jigsaw requires persistence. The last 50 or so pieces (the hardest bits of green foliage) were just sitting there mocking me, until i completed the jigsaw.
Traditional fun:
In 2018 we are hit from all sides by technology. Sometimes just shutting all your electronics off for a while can be great. No phones going off, no TV, no Apps, No Electronics required whatsoever. It can take you somewhere else completing a jigsaw, and being apart from the digital world every now and then can’t be a bad thing.
Go and Pick up a Jigsaw.
To be honest you probably have one in your attic or cupboard. Pick it up and shut down your phone for a few hours and just get absorbed.
The older one’s are the best in my opinion, and can be found readily on Etsy and Ebay. An Etsy store will be something happening in the future, as my stock of homemade things and auction finds expands. I can’t keep it all!!
About Me.
I’m Gareth, a 38 year old IT contractor, Photographer, Optimist, Blogger and Maker/Restorer of things.
Trying to make my life as full as possible with learning experiences, and helping others along the way.
I love cooking, making, restoring/upcycling boxes, doing fun stuff with my family, photography, giving myself skills and learning something new everyday.
