When we gather with friends or family, the default group activity often involves passively watching a movie or TV show together. While enjoyable, these activities can limit our ability to truly connect and bond with our loved ones. Puzzling, on the other hand, is not only a fantastic stress-reliever and mindfulness activity but also provides a unique opportunity for deepening relationships and forging new ones.
By adding adult puzzles as an activity that encourages critical thinking, teamwork, and mindful connection, you can strengthen existing bonds and build brand new relationships with others. In this blog post, we’ll explore how puzzles encourage you to find deeper and more meaningful connections.
Teamwork makes the dream work
When you pore over an artfully crafted wood jigsaw puzzle with a friend or family member, collaboration becomes key. Each individual brings a unique perspective and problem-solving approach. By discussing strategies, like the classic technique of colour & shape sorting, or diving deep into the subtle hints within the texture of each piece, teams develop a rhythm. This joint effort in piecing together a masterpiece fosters communication, patience, and mutual respect.
Put down the phone
In a world dominated by screens and virtual interactions, puzzles offer a tactile and shared experience. They encourage face-to-face engagement, where the joys of discovering that perfectly fitting piece are magnified when shared with another person. When you’re working hard on a problem together, and you’re having fun, your phone isn’t as tempting, and you and your puzzle mate can have more of each other’s undivided attention.
Put yourself in someone else’s shoes
In one of our last blog posts, we mentioned a tip about switching perspectives to solve a puzzle. This is an advantage when it comes to solving puzzles with others! Different people may spot patterns or solutions that can otherwise be overlooked. Embracing this diversity in thought helps you finish the puzzle and makes the experience more fulfilling.
Celebrate the achievement together
There's great satisfaction in stepping back with your puzzle mate and admiring a completed StumpCraft wood jigsaw puzzle, knowing you've accomplished it together. These shared achievements, whether between family members as a holiday activity or friends during a cozy evening in, create stories and memories that linger.
So whether you are considering turning to puzzles to strengthen existing bonds with others around you or to build a new community of puzzle enthusiasts, you’re tapping into one of puzzle-building’s greatest rewards: connection.
As the holiday season approaches, and we gather with our loved ones to celebrate, why not start the puzzling tradition? Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with one of our holiday-themed puzzles.
