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.