Puzzling Through Stress: How Puzzles Can Support Mental Health
As May begins, so does Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to reflect on how we care for ourselves and each other. At Puzzle Warehouse, we’ve seen firsthand how something as simple as a jigsaw puzzle can provide comfort, focus, and peace of mind during life’s most stressful moments.
For me, that discovery started in the middle of COVID.
It was a time of overwhelming uncertainty. Like many people, I was feeling stretched thin—working full time, going back to school full time, and trying to process a world that felt like it had been turned upside down. In the middle of all that stress, I picked up a puzzle. The first one being Vintage Library by Galison.
View Vintage Library Puzzle by Galison
It wasn’t planned or part of some grand wellness strategy. I just needed something quiet, something grounding—and puzzling gave me exactly that. It helped me slow down, clear my head, and recharge in a way that nothing else could at the time.
That little escape grew into something more. I combined what I was learning in my marketing courses with my new hobby and started a YouTube channel about puzzles. It was a creative outlet that brought me joy and connection—and eventually led me to the marketing team here at Puzzle Warehouse. I’m not saying puzzles alone changed my life, but I truly believe they helped me find balance during challenging times. I still love to wind down with a cup of tea and sit with a good book or puzzle and get lost. In the picture below is a beautiful example with Springbok's The Library.
View The Library Puzzle by Springbok
How Puzzles Support Mental Health
The benefits of puzzling aren’t just personal—there’s science to back them up. Here are some of the many ways puzzles can support mental wellness:
1. Stress Relief: When life feels overwhelming, puzzling offers a quiet refuge. Focusing on fitting pieces together gives your brain something predictable and manageable to work on—providing a break from racing thoughts, decision fatigue, and everyday pressures. This kind of gentle distraction helps reduce cortisol levels (the body’s stress hormone), making you feel calmer and more centered without requiring anything more than your time and attention. (Kitties can help too – here’s Oliver "helping" me with this old 2000 piece by Ravensburger)
2. Mindfulness and Flow: Puzzles naturally encourage mindfulness—being present in the moment without judgment. As you search for pieces or build sections, you tune into the task and tune out the noise. Many people experience what’s called a "flow state" while puzzling—a deeply immersive mental zone where you’re focused, relaxed, and often unaware of time passing.
3. Improved Cognitive Function: Puzzling is more than just fun—it’s a workout for your brain. Studies show that puzzles can improve short-term memory by reinforcing connections between brain cells, enhancing mental speed, and even helping with spatial reasoning and visual recognition.
View The Quilt Workshop by Eurographics
4. A Sense of Accomplishment: Finishing a puzzle—whether it’s 300 or 2,000 pieces—brings a unique sense of satisfaction. It’s a visual and tangible result of your focus and effort. That feeling of success can translate into confidence and motivation in other areas of life too.
5. A Digital Detox: Our lives are more connected than ever, and that can be exhausting. Puzzles provide a rare opportunity to unplug from screens and notifications. This kind of digital break helps improve sleep, reduce anxiety, and increase overall well-being.
View Floral Reflections by Ravensburger
Take Time for Your Mental Health This Month
We often talk about self-care like it has to be big or dramatic. But sometimes, it’s as simple as clearing off a table, opening a box, and starting something one piece at a time. If you’re looking for a way to recharge this Mental Health Awareness Month, we invite you to pick up a puzzle—whether it’s your first or your fiftieth.
View Santorini Sunset by Ravensburger
Join the Conversation
We’d love to hear your story. How has puzzling helped you? Share with us on social media or tag us @PuzzleWarehouse.
Thanks as always for reading!
Emilee @thecasualpuzzler
Couldn't agree more. I've done puzzles since childhood and worked in the puzzle industry for years. Recently they helped get through some complications from a couple surgeries that I had to have.
