Today everyone stays so busy and puzzling allows us to find moments of relaxation and fun.  Puzzling has stood the test of time of favorite activities for all ages.  Everyone wants to put in that last piece, so satisfying.   Puzzling not only engages your mind but provides an avenue for relaxation and fun.   Because puzzles come in so many shapes, sizes and images there is a puzzle for everyone.  From children to adults, everyone enjoys a puzzle. Because they are so well liked they make great gifts that you can be sure the recipient will enjoy.

Why Do People Want to Work on Puzzles?

Puzzles have an innate ability to captivate and engage us, drawing us in with their allure. People are naturally inclined to work on puzzles for several reasons:

1. Challenge and Achievement: The inherent challenge of puzzles, from sorting through countless pieces to fitting them together, sparks our problem-solving skills and provides a sense of achievement as we progress. Each completed section or connected piece brings a rewarding sense of accomplishment.
2. Relaxation and Mindfulness: Engaging with puzzles allows us to enter a state of relaxation and mindfulness. As we focus on the intricate details and patterns, our minds shift away from stress and worries, providing a calming effect and promoting mental well-being.
3. Escape and Entertainment: Puzzles offer an escape from our daily routines, transporting us to enchanting landscapes, vibrant scenes, or captivating works of art. Puzzles are not only entertaining but they let one use their imagination and provide a break from the demands of everyday life.

What Do People Like About Puzzles?

People find various aspects of puzzles immensely appealing. Here are a few reasons why puzzles have become a beloved pastime:

1. Engaging Artwork: Starz Puzzles curates a diverse range of designs created by talented artists. From the mesmerizing beauty of a flourishing garden to the serene sight of a snowy tiger, these puzzles showcase stunning imagery painted with bold brush strokes and an explosion of colors. The artistic appeal of these puzzles creates a visual feast for puzzle enthusiasts.
2. Unique Piece Shapes: Adding an extra layer of intrigue and excitement, Starz Puzzles incorporate special-shaped pieces. These unique pieces, such as dog silhouettes or star clusters, add a delightful twist to the puzzling experience. Each piece fits together seamlessly, enhancing the overall enjoyment and making the puzzle-solving journey even more memorable.
3. Quality and Craftsmanship: Starz puzzles are laser-cut from true 1/4" solid Colorado Maple, each piece is meticulously crafted to ensure durability and a superior finish. The UV coated printing brings the artwork to life, making our puzzles visually striking and engaging.

The Mental Benefits of Puzzles:

Engaging with puzzles offers a multitude of mental benefits, including:

1. Cognitive Skills Enhancement: Working on puzzles stimulates various cognitive skills, such as problem-solving, logical thinking, and spatial reasoning. These mental exercises help sharpen our minds and improve cognitive abilities.
2. Engaging Artwork: Starz Puzzles curates a diverse range of designs created by talented artists. From the mesmerizing beauty of a flourishing garden to the serene sight of a snowy tiger, these puzzles showcase stunning imagery painted with bold brush strokes and an explosion of colors. The artistic appeal of these puzzles creates a visual feast for puzzle enthusiasts.
3. Stress Relief: The focused and immersive nature of puzzling can help reduce stress levels. It allows us to shift our attention away from daily worries and immerse ourselves in a calming and enjoyable activity.
4. Increased Creativity: Puzzles provide a platform for unleashing our creativity. As we analyze, rearrange, and connect the pieces, we tap into our imaginative and problem-solving abilities, fostering a sense of creative thinking.

One of the most common questions about puzzles revolves around their impact on individuals dealing with dementia or some level of cognitive decline.

Yes, puzzles and other cognitive activities provide benefits for individuals with dementia. While not a treatment, they could provide some level of cognitive stimulation and engagement that could  slow decline and enhance overall well-being. Here's how puzzles can be useful for people with dementia:

1. Cognitive Stimulation: Puzzles, consisting of jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, and Sudoku, require problem-solving skills, critical questioning, and attention to detail. Engaging in these activities can  keep the brain active and promote cognitive function.
2. Memory Improvement: Memory games and puzzles can assist improve memory recall and retention, which may be mainly beneficial for people with mild cognitive impairment or early-stage dementia.
3. Stress Reduction: Engaging in puzzles can provide an experience of accomplishment and satisfaction when completed. This positive experience can assist in reducing stress and anxiety, which are commonplace emotions for individuals with dementia.
4. Social Interaction: Some puzzles may be finished in a collection setting, encouraging social interplay and engagement with others. Social activities can assist combat feelings of isolation and loneliness often associated with dementia.
5. Motor Skills: Manipulating puzzle pieces or writing out solutions in crossword puzzles can help keep fine motor talents and hand-eye coordination.
6. Routine and Structure: Engaging in ordinary puzzle-solving activities can set up a sense of ordinary and structure, which can be comforting for people with dementia and help reduce agitation.

However, it should be noted that the effectiveness of puzzles and other cognitive activities can vary from person to person, and not all individuals with dementia will notice benefit or gain from them. The form of the puzzle and the level of skills needed should be tailored to the individual's cognitive abilities. Additionally, those activities aren't an alternative to professional medical care and intervention. Individuals with dementia should be under the care of a medical professional who can provide personalized recommendations and guidance for their specific needs.

Ultimately, while puzzles and cognitive activities may be a valuable part of a holistic care plan for people with dementia, they have to be blended with other interventions inclusive of medical care, therapy, and support from healthcare experts and caregivers.

• Night Watcher Puzzle
• Snow Leopard Puzzle
• Flourishing Garden Puzzle
• All Starz Puzzles