Going to a speed puzzling competition to compete? If a puzzle contest is in your near future, whether it’s a speed puzzle competition or a fun jigsaw puzzle competition, the focus of the game is important. Bringing along certain items offers some comfort while you are focused, ready for your game play.
Whenever I go to speed puzzling competition, I have my bag packed with essential items to make my focus the best at the competition. These are items you probably could grab on the way out the door. The items also could fit into a reasonable sized bag that could be left in your car’s trunk for use as needed.
Why bring essential items to a speed puzzling competition? When I go to play puzzles I am looking for focusing on my best time, not rushing around searching for water or dealing with a sharp ray of sunshine in my eyes. So if I have a bottle of water in my car and my sunglasses, my problems are solved. Then my focus can go back to knocking seconds off my puzzling competition time. I’ve practiced for this puzzling competition and I want to make it my best!
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The trick about bringing essential items is that you need to plan on what you might need. While I always being my eye drops as my eyes dry out if the air conditioning is on, you might not need it. My friend always brings her favorite earbuds for the competition while I don’t have a particular pair to wear (I borrow a pair from the kiddo so it’s rather random).
Take a Few Things to be Comfortable and Ready to Play
This list of essential items a puzzle competitor should take to a speed puzzling competition to be comfortable and focused to play jigsaw puzzles can be adjusted, changed and even added on. What is important is you consider what you need for the best play ever!
Puzzling Competition Needs Cater to You
Preparing for a speed puzzling competition requires careful consideration of both comfort and focus. Here’s a comprehensive list of items, I bring, as a puzzle competitor, to take to ensure I’m comfortable and focused during the event.
1. Small Bottle of Lotion. My hands, when moving fast (or even chilly) start to dry out. I’m always using hand sanitizer which dries out your hands too. My best times include moving my fingers so I want them to be soft, comfortable and ready to play.
2. Puzzle Pillow. Don’t laugh, but I take a small pillow. It’s a great thing when I am sitting or kneeling on the chair. My knees need it. However, I have used it to prop up my elbow when leaning on the table too. A comfortable body makes it easier to focus on the jigsaw puzzle. The trick about a pillow is size: make it small.
3. Snacks. Staying energized around the puzzling competition means having a few snacks, just in case I don’t have time to eat. What I love is a handful of nuts, a small sandwich or a stick of cheese. Fruits are also a great choice (just if it’s not too messy). Fuel for the body is important. Just avoid heavy or greasy snacks that could lead to fatigue.
4. Water. Hydration is important throughout the competition. Which is why I don’t have coffee on the day and I have several bottles of water. Sometimes I do bring juice, but I’ve found that the simplicity of water is the best choice for me.
5. Timer. A reliable timer is essential for keeping track of your progress and ensuring you stay within the allotted time for each puzzle-solving round. Yes, there will be timers at puzzling competitions, but the reality is that having a timer you are comfortable with is comforting.
6. Notebook and Pen. Keep a notebook and pen handy for jotting down notes, strategies, or any observations during the competition. Of course, you can’t do this during a puzzling competition, but you can write notes during breaks or after the contest. I typically use this journaling time in the car after a competition when I am still high from the fun of the event and have a few thoughts on the moments I played. This can help you stay organized and focused on the task at hand.
7. Noise-Canceling Wireless Earbuds. Block out distractions and noise from the competition venue with noise-canceling headphones. Listening to calming music or white noise to help maintain focus and concentration. Of course, if you have a favorite playlist, this should be your first choice. It’s important to enjoy your music while you focus on the jigsaw puzzle.
8. Comfortable Clothing. Dress in comfortable clothing and layers that allow for freedom of movement. Consider the temperature of the competition venue and dress accordingly to avoid discomfort. In my opinion, this is the most important items you might bring. I’ve seen competitors freezing cold as they forgot a sweater and their play was impacted. I’ve also seen people in high heels walking the floor making sure they look good (while having poor play performance.)
9. Personal Care Items. Pack essentials like tissues, lip balm, and any medications you may need to stay comfortable and focused throughout the competition. You know yourself the best, so bring those items that make you comfortable and make no apologies on what is needed.
10. Stress Relief Tools. Bring stress relief tools such as stress balls, fidget spinners, or meditation apps to help manage anxiety and stay calm under pressure. These are especially important for me and I use them between the rounds. It helps me focus on the jigsaw puzzles and less on my anxiety and thrill of play.
11. Positive Mindset. Lastly, bring a positive mindset and a determination to do your best. It’s very important you believe in your skills and focus on the moment. It’s more than just a chance to win, it’s a chance to challenge yourself. Remember to have fun and enjoy the experience of competing in a speed puzzling competition!
Home Comforts Go Far in Competitions
If you are a focused competitor with everything you need for a strong finish, you might be surprised how far you will go in a puzzling competition! The best completion times encompass being comfortable at the table and focused on the task at hand. For me the idea of having a few comforts from home makes a puzzling competition a really great time.
