Jigsaw puzzles are having a moment
. Once seen as a niche interest, they’re now a good distraction while in isolation – and sales are sky rocketing. That’s what Mel Tantchev, co-founder of Puzzle Post, says. She helped launch the subscription puzzle service in August 2019 and has been “overwhelmed” by people’s appetite for jigsaws.
Psychologist Dr Marny Lishman agrees. She says there’s a growing hunger for activities that “force” people to really engage in the present moment. “And that’s what jigsaw puzzles do; they promote everyday mindfulness in which people can set aside time, focus on the activity without distractions, and engage in creativity totally in the moment.”When we surrender to that level of mindfulness while engaged in an activity, we can achieve the desperately sought status of “flow”.
Aria is a recent convert. The 37-year-old lawyer from Sydney works full-time and has two young children. She used to enjoy doing puzzles as a rainy-day activity as a child, but reignited her passion for them last year. It had been a stressful time at work and Aria was desperate for a break. She decided to take a week off and spend that time at home, engaging in activities that would help her de-stress.
Lishman confirms that this can be the case. “If we didn’t get a little ‘rush’ or hit of dopamine, then we probably wouldn’t get through thousands of pieces,” she notes.
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