This is the first thing you should do when you unbox the pieces of the puzzle. Spread all the pieces on an even surface and flip them upwards so that the picture is visible. Although turning them all upwards can be a tedious task, this step is essential as it quickens the process and makes it easier.
3 types of grouping will help you here.
Look at the reference picture given and stack the border pieces into a pile and put them aside. This will help you construct the border first and give the puzzle a shape. However, this trick only works when you have a jigsaw puzzle with defined edges and sides. Otherwise, you cannot start off like this.
Looking at the pieces and the picture, you can pick pieces of the same color or pattern. Here, you are picking the easily recognizable parts of the jigsaw. This is quite easy to do as you can easily differentiate among the different colors and graphic elements present. However, for those puzzles that have repetitive patterns or indistinguishable colors, this idea does not work. For such pieces, you have to focus on the repetitive pieces and try to form a pattern.
When you look at the pictures, you can definitely figure out the special pieces. These stand out and can be inserted in their right spots. So, put them aside and let them wait their turn.
Following an outside-to-inside policy helps define the borders and the shape of the puzzle you are working on. Use the stack of border pieces you put aside and fill in the shape. Don’t worry if you can’t fill in a few places, they will turn up soon.
Jigsaw puzzles come in a variety of shapes and sizes. It is important to keep an eye on the number of knobs and holes in a piece to understand its shape. Sometimes, we can tell easily that the pieces won’t fit together. But that doesn’t always happen. You need to look out for the shapes. It takes experience to find out which pieces go in together and which don’t. So, don’t fret if you are unable to do it the first time around. You will eventually ace it.
Group the pieces of the same color and visual pattern together. Use the knobs to fit them perfectly in place.
Instead of piecing out the entire jigsaw puzzle at once, you can begin by taking baby steps. Start by working on small sections of the jigsaw puzzle. This will give you a feeling of accomplishment and also a visual idea of what you are building. Put these finished sections where they fit in the puzzle and finish the work.
Last but not the least, a jigsaw puzzle needs your time, concentration and efforts. Don’t get disheartened if you cannot finish it. Take a break and come back later. A fresh look will give you a better idea of what you missed.
Taken together, we believe we are onto something novel. We now recognize the many benefits of completing jigsaw puzzles as well as the emotional health benefits of positive thinking as well as using positive affirmations among many individuals. This has never been done before, so it has not yet been studied.
Can a puzzle designed to help people also feel good really promote such benefits? It is entirely possible; and if you are open to the experience, we suggest that you see for yourself.