Addiction Comes in All Shapes and Sizes

"Studies have shown that doing jigsaw puzzles can improve cognition and visual-spatial reasoning. Using the puzzle as an exercise of the mind can spark imagination and increase both your creativity and productivity."

I found the preceding quote on a medical website touting the benefits of doing jigsaw puzzles as a way to stave off dementia and even increase your lifespan. As someone who has been deep into jigsaw puzzles since the start of the Covid epidemic in 2020, I say "poppycock." In fact I would go so far as to say the opposite is true: doing a jigsaw puzzle requires no imagination or creativity whatsoever, only good eyesight. And it certainly lessens your productivity.

For example, beds go unmade, dishes go undone and home renovation projects lay dormant once you've got a new puzzle going. Also, if you start one shortly before bedtime, promising you'll find "just one more piece," you can count on losing valuable hours of sleep since it's almost impossible to stop once you get going. And any doctor will tell you, sleep is much more vital to an increased lifespan than jigsaw puzzles.

Speaking from experience, you know you've got a problem when you dream about doing jigsaw puzzles. To be safe, if you don't do them don't start, and if you're already hooked, try to cut back. And for God's sake, don't let your kids get near one.

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