Why I’m Writing About Jigsaw Puzzles (And Why You Might Want to Follow Along)
Finding relaxation, connection, and joy—one puzzle piece at a time.
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There was a time when I never imagined I’d be writing about the benefits of jigsaw puzzles—or how much this simple activity would come to mean to me.
If someone had told me a few years ago that I’d be sharing puzzle tips, reviewing puzzle subscriptions, and encouraging others to slow down with a cozy hobby, I probably would have laughed.
But life has a way of changing our perspective.
Over time, I began to appreciate the benefits of jigsaw puzzles in a completely different way—not just as entertainment, but as a meaningful activity that can encourage relaxation, focus, and connection.
For the past 18 years, I have worked as a pediatric occupational therapist in the school system, helping children with autism, ADHD, and complex medical needs develop the skills they need to thrive. Throughout my career, I saw firsthand how meaningful hands-on activities could be for improving focus, problem-solving, confidence, and emotional well-being.
Then life brought me another role—one I never expected.
For six years, I was my mom’s caregiver as she lived with Lewy body dementia. Those years taught me more about patience, resilience, and finding joy in life’s simple moments than I could have ever imagined.
Today, I find myself drawn to activities that encourage us to slow down, unplug, and simply be present.
One of those activities is… jigsaw puzzles.
Benefits of Jigsaw Puzzles Beyond the Hobby
To many people, a jigsaw puzzle is simply a way to pass the time.
To me, it’s much more.
It’s an opportunity to step away from screens.
It’s a chance to quiet a busy mind.
It’s a relaxing evening with a cup of coffee or tea.
It’s quality time with family.
It’s the satisfaction of watching hundreds of tiny pieces slowly become something beautiful.
In a world that constantly asks us to move faster, puzzles remind us that it’s okay to slow down.
What You’ll Find Here
Whether you’ve been puzzling for years or you’re just discovering the hobby, I hope this newsletter becomes a place you enjoy visiting.
Here are just a few of the topics I’ll be sharing:
- Puzzle tips and tricks
- Choosing the right puzzle size
- Puzzle organization ideas
- Puzzle accessories worth buying
- Honest puzzle reviews
- Cozy puzzle nights and seasonal inspiration
- The wellness benefits of puzzling
- Screen-free activities for relaxing at home
- Puzzle rentals and ways to enjoy more puzzles without creating clutter
My goal isn’t just to talk about puzzles.
It’s to help you create more moments of relaxation, mindfulness, and joy.
A New Way to Enjoy Puzzles
One of the things I’ve recently discovered is puzzle rental subscriptions.
If you’re like me, you probably have a growing stack of completed puzzles tucked away in closets or under beds.
Puzzle rentals offer a different approach.
Instead of buying a new puzzle every month, you can:
✔ Receive a puzzle in the mail
✔ Complete it at your own pace
✔ Return it when you’re finished
✔ Receive another puzzle based on your subscription
It’s an affordable, fun, and clutter-free way to enjoy puzzling throughout the year.
I’ve really enjoyed learning about this option and sharing it with fellow puzzle lovers.
If you’d like to explore it, you can visit sunnybykimberly.com and click on Activities, Music & Meaningful Connections
If you decide it’s something you’d enjoy, you can also use my code PUZZLEOT to save on your subscription.
Let’s Build a Cozy Puzzle Community
One of my favorite things about sharing Sunny by Kimberly is the opportunity to connect with people who enjoy meaningful activities and finding simple ways to slow down.
Whether you puzzle every day or you’re thinking about picking up your very first one, I’d love to have you here.
Let’s inspire each other.
Let’s discover new puzzles.
Let’s share tips.
And most importantly…
Let’s remember to make time for ourselves.
If you enjoyed this article, I hope you’ll explore more of the meaningful activities, puzzle ideas, and practical resources here on Sunny by Kimberly.
I’ll be sharing puzzle tips, product reviews, cozy inspiration, wellness ideas, and plenty of puzzle fun along the way.
Thank you so much for being here.
I’m excited to begin this journey together.
Happy puzzling!
Disclaimer: The information shared by Sunny by Kimberly is for educational purposes only and is based on my experience as an occupational therapist and family caregiver. It is not intended to replace individualized medical, occupational therapy, or healthcare advice. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding your specific situation.
About the Author
Kimberly Orlando, MOT, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist with 25 years of clinical experience across hospital, home health, skilled nursing, and community-based settings. She is passionate about helping older adults, caregivers, and families discover meaningful activities that support engagement, independence, and quality of life. Through her work as an educator and content creator, Kimberly shares practical strategies for healthy aging, cognitive wellness, and purposeful living.
