January 29th was National Puzzle Day

January 29th was National Puzzle Day and the day celebrates various types of puzzles in all their glory like jigsaw, crossword, word search, wood, Sudoku puzzles and more. 

According to Nationaldaycalendar.com, the day was made in 2002 by Jodi Jill as a way to share her enjoyment of puzzles. Jill is a professional writer, syndicated columnist, puzzle maker, and speaker.

Aasia Dolski, a senior at Arrowhead, said, “I don’t like puzzles, I love them. They help me release stress and make me happy especially when I finish them.”

Arrowhead students can work on jigsaw puzzles in the library during study halls or lunch.

Whether it be a crossword, jigsaw, or Sudoku puzzle, National Today says puzzles engage humans’ brains in more ways than one. 

Mady Scholzen, another senior, said, “I love puzzles. I like that they challenge my brain and they make me think about something without aimlessly having to play a game.”

Students can play online puzzles on sites like Jigsawplanet.com, Sudoku.com, and Puzzles.usatoday.com. 

According to National Today’s National Puzzle Day Timeline, labyrinth drawing puzzles were popular in Ancient Egypt (2300 BC). In 1769, Mapmaker John Spilsbury created the first jigsaw puzzle.

Senior Trinity Dahl said, “I think puzzles are entertaining and challenging. They keep your mind going and it’s a creative outlet for your brain.”

In 1908, puzzles became popular in the United States. During the Great Depression in 1993, puzzle sales soared to 10 million per week (National Today).

“The more pieces the more your brain is challenged. Puzzles are a great way to use up time and just to have as a hobby,” said Dahl. 

National Today’s suggested Puzzle Day activities include spending time with friends and family to make puzzles, or completing Sudoku or crossword puzzles.