Relieving stress with Pompeii building project by Givenni

 by Mary Harrsch

I read mythical creatures and animals made of Lego are gracing an exhibit at the Corinium Museum, in Cirencester, UK to celebrate the anniversary of a Roman mosaic's discovery there.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4g49n0q8x0o

In a coincidence, this morning I finished my Lego-compatible Pompeii building project. The set is actually produced by Givenni and is the largest set I have attempted at 2,539 pieces. I've also completed Givenni's Ancient Acropolis of Athens, their Trojan Horse set, and a Roman centurion's helmet.

Therapists have discovered many adults find building with Lego or Lego-compatible bricks to be a highly effective way to relieve stress and unwind. Here’s why it resonates with so many grown-ups:

1. Mindfulness & Flow State

Building with Lego requires focus, which can help quiet the mind and induce a state of flow—where you’re fully immersed in the activity, temporarily pushing aside worries and distractions.

2. Tactile & Sensory Satisfaction

The physical act of snapping bricks together provides a satisfying sensory experience, which can be grounding and calming, much like other hands-on hobbies (painting, knitting, or woodworking).

3. Creativity & Problem-Solving

Whether following instructions or free-building, Lego engages the brain in a low-pressure, rewarding way. Designing MOCs ("My Own Creations") can be especially fulfilling.

4. Nostalgia & Playfulness

For many, Lego brings back joyful childhood memories, offering a return to carefree creativity—something adults often miss in their daily routines.

5. Structured Yet Flexible

Unlike open-ended creative tasks (like writing or drawing), Lego offers structure (via instructions) while still allowing for improvisation, making it approachable yet engaging.

6. Community & Shared Joy

The adult Lego community (AFOLs—Adult Fans of Lego) is thriving, with forums, conventions, and social media groups where people share builds, tips, and enthusiasm.

What Other Adults Say:

• Many report that Lego helps with anxiety, ADHD, or burnout by providing a relaxing, screen-free escape.

• Some use it as a form of "active meditation" after work.

• Therapists even recommend Lego for stress relief and cognitive engagement.

Although I enjoy working on my research, I find spending too many hours staring at a computer screen can actually make me feel light-headed and a need for different type of intellectual stimulation that includes using other parts of my brain.  If you enjoyed this post, never miss out on future posts by following me by email!