Will I regret time spent solving jigsaw puzzles?
Saturday, July 23, 2022 at 08:59AM
Nearly every day, I spend a few minutes doing an online jigsaw puzzle or two. Or play mahjong on my iPad. Or read click-bait “news” articles. It's how I kill the few spare minutes before the news comes on, before I need to start supper, or just procrastinating before doing something of greater import. As I shuffle the puzzle pieces into place, I often wonder if I will come to regret these moments spent in such a mindless activity. “Ah, if I had only used that time to write something of possible value; researched a topic of importance; cleaned my refrigerator; called a friend; swept the garage.” Once spent, time is never returned to us. When asked if I am happy, I usually respond that I don’t think much about whether I am happy or not. I take to heart John Stuart Mill’s famous observation "Ask yourself whether you are happy and you cease to be so." Rather, I have always asked if I have been productive. Did I accomplish something? Did I make the community or myself a little better because of my activity? Have I learned something that makes me a better person? The question then becomes “what exactly is a productive activity?” I view these as productive activities:
So why do I, like most others, steer off the productive path by doing jigsaw puzzles or reading junk fiction or watching crappy movies? Do we all just need breaks allowing us to cool our jets? If so, why do I feel guilty about it?
Reader Comments (7)
Doing mindless activities is a way to give our brain rest so I feel it is productive also. You don't consider sleeping a waste of time because your body needs it to thrive. Mindless activities is a way to give your brain a rest also. Just like sleep, you wouldn't do it all of the time or it does become a problem. As for doing jigsaw puzzles, i don't see it as a waste of time. Doing jigsaw puzzles (or any type of puzzles) is a way to exercise your brain. It involves spatial awareness and is a good test of cognitive ability. So, keep doing those jigsaw puzzles!
It’s okay. It’s like meditating. It’s even good for you. Don’t let that midwestern guilt get to you!
Thank you, Pat and Jim, for your perspectives. You both make good points and I will try to be a little less concerned about my idle moments!
Doug
For the past six years, I have started my mornings with my jigsaw puzzle app, followed by a round of Toon Blast. Yes, I know that the last one is very mature for my 47 years. Ha! In any case, I feel like it gets my brain revved up for the day, and I greatly enjoy it. One of life's little pleasures for me.
Hi Mandy,
I start my morning with the Jumbles. I will check out Toon Blast!
Doug
I love ‘wasting’ time on puzzles! They calm my body and mind and allow me to just sit, contemplate the colours and shapes and slowly piece by piece put the picture back together. I often feel guilty for this time that I get to spend sitting with my thoughts when laundry needs to be folded, and as you mentioned, the fridge seems to always need cleaning. Maybe, instead of asking if our time is productive, we should be asking if our activities are beneficial. If I ask, is my time spent beneficial, rather than productive, my guilt diminishes because something that is beneficial does not always produce a product. Thank you for challenging me to think about my ‘wasted’ time puzzling…I am off to work on the sky of my current puzzle. 100 some blue pieces; wish me luck!
Hi Linda,
I really like your idea of asking whether time spent is "beneficial." Perhaps "productive" is too restrictive a word. One can also ask to whom is the activity beneficial.
Have good, guilt-free, fun with your puzzle!
Doug