As someone deeply involved in caregiving, guardianship, and estate representation, I’ve come to understand just how essential it is to find ways to take care of myself. The demands of these roles can be overwhelming, and burnout is a very real threat. After a long day managing affairs, I would visit my mother. While she rested, I needed an outlet to decompress so I took up creative projects. I’ve never considered myself particularly creative, so crafting projects never seemed like an option for me. That’s why I was surprised by how much peace I found when I began working on simple projects—ones that let my mind rest from the day’s challenges. These activities gave me a sense of calm and satisfaction that was much-needed.
Now, I want to share my experiences, starting with a mindful and unexpected stress-relief method: building Lego sets.
Discovering Lego as a Stress Reliever
During a break at work, some coworkers and I were chatting about different ways to reduce stress and anxiety. Two of them, to my surprise, mentioned Lego building as a great way to unwind. I didn’t even realize Lego made sets specifically for adults, but apparently, they do! Their website has an entire section called “Adults Welcome,” full of beautiful sets and articles about using Lego for mindfulness and relaxation. Inspired by their suggestions, I decided to try it out myself. I thought: why not combine something fun with something that can help me unwind from the daily pressures of caregiving?
Mindfulness Through Lego Building
Mindfulness is about being fully present in the moment, letting go of distractions, and staying focused on what’s in front of you. According to the experts at mindful.org, mindfulness is “the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.” Lego building offers an unexpected but perfect way to practice mindfulness.
As I worked through the step-by-step instructions, my focus narrowed. Placing each piece required my full attention, and I found that the simple, repetitive motions of building helped clear my mind. It was a chance to disconnect from the stress of the day and focus solely on creating something beautiful.
My Experience with the Chrysanthemum Set
Being new to this, I chose the chrysanthemum set from Lego’s Botanical Collection. It was small, affordable, and something I could complete in sessions, which was perfect for me. The set came in three bags, and each bag took about 45 minutes to assemble. I loved that I could work on one section, step away to handle my responsibilities, and come back to it later. The instructions were clear, and the process was surprisingly peaceful.
As I clicked each piece into place, I felt my mind ease from the pressures of the day. When I finished, not only did I have a beautiful decoration, but I also felt a genuine sense of accomplishment and relief. The final result was a sturdy, vibrant piece of art that now sits proudly in my home, reminding me of the power of taking small breaks for myself.
Why I Recommend Lego for Stress Relief
In our roles as caregivers, guardians, and estate representatives, the weight of responsibility can be heavy. It’s crucial to find ways to recharge, even in small, unexpected moments. Lego sets, particularly the ones designed for adults, offer a mindful, hands-on way to unwind and relieve stress. Whether you choose a large, intricate set that takes time or a smaller project like mine, the process itself is therapeutic.
I’m already looking forward to my next set—perhaps a poinsettia from the Botanical Collection to decorate during the holidays. It’s the perfect way to combine something creative with stress relief.
Try It for Yourself
Have you tried any creative activities to help manage stress? I’d love to hear about your experiences—or give Lego a try and see how it works for you. For more inspiration, visit www.lego.com, or explore mindfulness and creativity through books that offer additional tools for relaxation.
References:
What is Mindfulness? – The Peel – Syracuse University – SU News, https://news.syr.edu/the-peel/2020/03/05/what-is-mindfulness/.
Lego website, https://www.lego.com/en-us/categories/adults-welcome/article/mindfulness
Photo by Pegleess Barrios from Burst
