LEGO Releases Building Set Geared Towards Reducing Stress And Anxiety In Adults

Many experts in the field of mental health support the idea that creating things - in whatever form that may be - can do wonders for our mental and emotional wellbeing. It gives us a sense of achievement, a way in which to positively occupy our minds and distract us from whatever it is that is causing us distress in our lives.

"When we are involved in [creativity], we feel that we are living more fully than during the rest of life," Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi explained in a 2004 TED talk. "You know that what you need to do is possible to do, even though difficult, and sense of time disappears. You forget yourself. You feel part of something larger."

Well, last year, LEGO took this idea on board and began working on a project to help users with their mental health.

Credit: LEGO

LEGO Ideas, the toy brand's platform for allowing users to submit new ideas for potential products, has now launched a new building set geared towards alleviating symptoms of stress and anxiety in the user.

The new building set is known as LEGO® FORMA and allows the user to create various species of fish using pieces of the building bricks.

The skeleton is formed first, using the LEGO pieces and the design is completed with various customizable skins.

Credit: LEGO

The idea behind the product is based on the theory that "combining organic forms and mechanical construction could improve mental wellbeing," INSIDER reports.

"Inside each of us, there is a fundamental desire to be creative and a unique need to use our hands," says Kari Vinther Nielsen, the brand's senior marketing manager. "When we reflected on those needs, we recognised that there is an inherent relaxation that comes from these activities."

"It's exciting to bring something to life - something you have personally made."

Credit: LEGO

The set includes what are known as "technic elements" which essentially allow for increased technical functions. The design also contains a crankshaft and gear system that allow the fish to move.

Credit: LEGO

Credit: LEGO

The project is currently crowdfunding via IndieGoGo where it is described as "a premium LEGO experience designed for adults looking for a fun, engaging way to reconnect with their creative side."

"LEGO FORMA mechanical models are cleverly designed but simple to assemble. Sturdy rods and parts combine with customizable skins to create a joyful creative challenge. Taking design cues from nature, LEGO FORMA incorporates life-like movement, colours, and patterns. The result is an elegant conversation piece that's a tasteful addition to any room."

It's fair to say that the majority of us struggle with our mental health at certain points in our lives, so LEGO FORMA might just be worth a try. What do you think?