As winter sets in and the days grow shorter, it’s easy to feel those seasonal blues creeping in. One surprising way to boost your mood? Building with LEGO.
This simple, hands-on hobby can do more than spark creativity, research is showing that it can help reduce stress, improve focus, and even support emotional healing.
LEGO and Mental Wellness: What the Research Says
In 2018, LEGO released a global Play Well Report, surveying more than 13,000 people about the relationship between play and mental wellness. The results showed that while parents valued play for their children, many also recognized its benefits in their own lives.
LEGO found that adults who engage in playful, creative activities report feeling more relaxed, focused, and connected to others, all powerful tools for combating stress and the winter blues.
Real Stories: How LEGO Has Helped Adults Heal
For some adults, LEGO has become more than a pastime, it’s a form of therapy.
In 2016, retired Army medic Robin Krauth shared her story with Military Times, explaining how building with LEGO helped her manage PTSD. The publication reported that “Krauth had stumbled onto a recreational therapy activity that worked for her, improved her mental state, boosted her confidence and provided a gateway to the world of other adult Lego fans.”
By focusing on an enjoyable, creative task, Krauth found her PTSD symptoms became more manageable.
The Science Continues: LEGO and Cognitive Health
Even recent studies are highlighting the benefits of LEGO for brain health. In 2024, researcher Natalia Kasperovich explored how LEGO could help patients with dementia.
According to AARP, participants showed improvements not only in emotional well-being but also in social connection and engagement. The research inspired the creation of Bricks for Better Brains, a program that “offers an opportunity to ease the transition from art/craft appreciation to active art making.”
Try It Yourself. Without the Commitment
You don’t need to buy a mountain of bricks to see the benefits yourself. With a subscription to Brick LIbrary, you can explore this calming, creative hobby without the commitment. Improve your mood and focus as you sort, click, and build something magical, one brick at a time.