I found peace and happiness in playing jigsaw puzzles

Back in the Autumn of this year, I bought ‘The Pink Parasol’ from the Vinnies op shop here in Warragul VIC. It’s a second-hand, French Impressionist 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle illustrated by the American artist Frederick Carl Frieseke (1874-1939) which depicts his favorite muse, his wife, poised amid the flowers in their Giverny garden. I’ve been drawn to collecting affordable art and paintings recently, and this purchase was a good addition to my collection.

I started building the puzzles together on the first week of May, while I was dealing with unnecessary personal stress which made me struggle to have decent sleep and writer’s block. Instead of going out with friends, or performing my usual stress-reliever activities, I decided to challenge myself to work on these jigsaw puzzles and see if I could finish them while buying some time with the hopes of my stress and anxiety goes away.

To start my peaceful journey of puzzles, I decided to camp in my boudoir and analyze the best strategy I could use to make this challenge a little simpler. I began to patiently build the corners to make the whole frame, then focus on color-coding the puzzles. It wasn’t an easy task, especially with all the color gradation, however, the aspiration of seeing the final picture kept me pushing to finish the task.

The print also helps to keep me motivated. I recently admire French Impressionist design, the cottage core aesthetics, and living the slow lifestyle, just being in a ‘dolce far niente’ mood because life is too short to rush things.

To monitor my progress, I decided on the hours I spent daily playing these jigsaw puzzles. It turns out to be a good idea, as I realize that the time is well spent. In total, I used up over 17hours of my time and I couldn’t be happier! There is no way that I will return this puzzle to the box, so I used ModPodge glue to secure them all together, and frame it!

My stress and anxiety were gone after accomplishing my work. It felt good, and I found peace and happiness in playing jigsaw puzzles.

In some places, like in the Philippines buying good quality jigsaw puzzles tend to be expensive (I heard it is still considered a luxury for many).

However, there are other ways to start enjoying jigsaw puzzles which are available online and free!

You can check the free online puzzle games from Calculators.org and there is no need to download the game. My favorite puzzle game on this website is the Christmas theme because I am very excited about the holiday season!

If you are not into puzzles, they also have other online games available, and everything is free! You can access the games using your smartphone, laptop, or desktop.

Another thing, I recently download this free jigsaw puzzle app from Playstore which I play before bedtime. I love the images available, especially those related to travel.

Why should you try playing jigsaw puzzles?

Here are some of the benefits of playing jigsaw puzzles.

1. Helps the brain to work better

Research shows that jigsaw puzzles help to improve the functioning of our brain since every part of this organ participates while playing. The analytical and logical sides of the brain work extensively to search for all the pieces of the puzzle and sort them orderly. Besides, the brain’s side also takes the front seat to visualize the finished picture of the puzzle and put every piece correctly.

2. Helps to increase the confidence level

Solving a puzzle successfully gives immersed confidence to everyone. It helps you to feel motivated and more confident in taking challenges. You can ask Hugh Jackman about it.

3. Helps to reduce the chances of developing mental disorders

According to several studies, playing jigsaw puzzles is less likely to develop mental disorders like memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease, and the like. Puzzles enhance the performance of the brain and help everyone remember things better.

4. It creates a sense of order and completion for someone who is engaged in playing jigsaw puzzles.

5. Jigsaw puzzles help to stay connected with your family, and memories of your travel.

6. Jigsaw puzzles are a great display and conversational piece in your home.

My Australian Grandma and I shared our passion for collecting pieces including playing jigsaw puzzles. The Marilyn Monroe puzzle was built by her during our second lockdown and became part of my growing collection of displays.

I’m still in a continuous search for a new set of puzzles that I would like to include in my collection. For now, I’ll be happy playing free online jigsaw puzzles right at my fingertips.