According to ‘Puzzling Cut’ (a blog about puzzles), a dissectologist is someone who enjoys jigsaws. Apparently, jigsaw puzzles were originally known as ‘dissected maps’! Who knew?!
And did you know that if you enjoy a jigsaw puzzle, you’re in good company – Elizabeth II, Hugh Jackman, Ellen DeGeneres, Patrick Stewart, Bill Gates, Ronnie Wood and Norman Cook all enjoy a bit of dissentologing! Which just goes to show that it takes all sorts!
What’s more, there could be many benefits. According to The Independent, doing a jigsaw puzzle is actually a rather brilliant form of mindfulness. Apparently, because your brain is so focused on hundreds or thousands of pieces, it has no capacity to allow intrusive thoughts in. There’s even evidence to suggest it helps improve memory and prevent dementia!
And according to the internet, (and that can’t be wrong, can it?) with each puzzle piece found, we get a little hit of dopamine, which soothes the brain.
So,slow down, cut off distractions and spend time being still with a jigsaw puzzle.
(Unfortunately, like everything these days, this comes with a health warning – a friend of mine tried to finish a jigsaw and realised she’d accidentally swallowed part of it. She’s trying to find her inner piece!)
