02/22/2026
Check out our wonderful Amy Dykstra, of Bluebird Psychology, in Time Magazine!
'It doesn’t matter how old you are: You could probably benefit from playing more.
“We need lightness and fun and opportunities for creativity and relaxation,” says Amy Dykstra, a psychologist in Calgary, Canada, who’s trained in play therapy. “It’s important for our mental health.”
Kids’ puzzles are less daunting than the grown-up versions—like a 3,000-piece Van Gogh reproduction that requires 30 hours you don’t have. Many people, including those with ADHD who struggle with task initiation, find that completing something simple helps them shift gears into a productive rhythm.
“Once you've completed the puzzle, you can use that momentum to keep going in your day,” Dykstra says. “That simple accomplishment of getting a quick win extends to other more complex and demanding tasks.”
Putting together a puzzle is a low-effort way to practice mindfulness. Its sensory, hands-on nature provides a sense of calm and relaxation, and it can help you stay grounded in the present moment and interrupt stress before it snowballs. The simple act of matching shapes and colors pulls your attention back to what’s right in front of you. “Most people are going to benefit from mindfulness activities,” Dykstra says, “and puzzles are much more interesting for people who don't enjoy sitting and closing their eyes or listening to audio meditation guides.”'
Easy puzzles come with all kinds of mental benefits.
