LEGO and Mental Health: How Building Bricks Support Stress Relief and Creativity

Cute brick build

When you think of LEGO, you might picture kids building castles or colorful sets displayed on a shelf. But beyond play, building with LEGO—or any type of bricks—can be a powerful tool for supporting mental health. From reducing stress to building community, these small pieces carry big benefits for the mind and soul.

1. Stress Relief Through Mindful Focus

Building with LEGO provides a break from daily worries. The act of sorting, stacking, and following instructions creates a mindful flow state, similar to meditation. This focus on the present moment helps calm racing thoughts and reduces stress.

2. Boosting Creativity and Problem-Solving Skills

LEGO sparks imagination and encourages problem-solving. For adults especially, brick building offers a creative outlet that breaks cycles of overthinking and inspires new ideas. This creativity supports mental flexibility and helps reconnect with joy.

3. Building Confidence, Piece by Piece

Completing a LEGO set—or even just a section—offers small victories that build confidence. For those navigating anxiety, depression, or burnout, these “mini wins” can be empowering reminders that progress happens step by step.

4. Connection Through Community

Brick building isn’t only a solo activity. Whether with family, friends, or at events like The Build & Bloom Experience: Friendsgiving Edition, LEGO encourages connection. With hands busy, conversations flow more naturally, creating safe spaces for deeper sharing and support.

5. Healing Through Play

For women and men especially, who often carry the weight of resilience, LEGO can be a gentle healing practice. Play reminds us that self-care doesn’t always have to feel heavy—sometimes joy, creativity, and shared laughter are the medicine.

Click Picture to go to my Amazon storefront to find your lego set

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✨ Want to experience this for yourself?

Join us at The Build & Bloom Experience: Friendsgiving Edition in Grand Prairie, TX—an evening of creativity, connection, and gratitude, brick by brick.

Final Thoughts: Brick by Brick, Healing Happens

LEGO isn’t just a toy—it’s a tool for mindfulness, confidence, and community. Whether you’re building alone for peace of mind or connecting with others through group builds, remember: healing and growth often come one brick at a time.

Crafting with Intention: How to stay focus and find joy in your creations

Crafting is more than just a hobby—it’s a form of self-expression, a stress reliever, and a creative outlet that allows us to bring our ideas to life. However, in today’s fast-paced world, staying focused on a single craft project can be a challenge. Whether you’re crocheting, painting, working on a DIY home project, or creating jewelry, maintaining focus is key to finding joy and satisfaction in your work.

The Importance of Focus in Crafting

When you give your full attention to a craft, you’re not just creating something beautiful—you’re also practicing mindfulness. Crafting with intention allows you to be present in the moment, reducing stress and increasing your sense of accomplishment.

Tips to Stay Focused While Crafting

1. Set a Dedicated Crafting Space
   Having a designated area for crafting helps signal to your brain that it’s time to focus. Keep your space organized with all necessary materials within reach, minimizing distractions.

2. Plan Your Project
   Before diving in, take a few moments to visualize your finished piece and outline the steps needed to complete it. This will help keep you on track and reduce the urge to jump between projects.

3. Eliminate Distractions
   Turn off notifications, set your phone to silent, or put on calming background music to create a focused atmosphere. If you have family members or roommates, let them know that your craft time is your moment of concentration.

4. Set Time Limits
   If you struggle with focus, try using a timer. The Pomodoro technique—working for 25 minutes and taking a 5-minute break—can be an effective way to maintain concentration without feeling overwhelmed.

5. Engage Your Senses
   Light a scented candle, sip on a favorite tea, or listen to instrumental music. Engaging multiple senses while crafting helps deepen focus and enhances the overall experience.

6. Take Breaks Mindfully
   Breaks are essential for staying energized and avoiding burnout. Instead of scrolling through your phone, stretch, take a walk, or reflect on what you’ve created so far.

7. Celebrate Small Wins
   Acknowledge your progress! Whether it’s finishing a difficult stitch or mixing the perfect shade of paint, celebrating small victories keeps you motivated to complete your project.

Finding Joy in the Process

Focus isn’t just about productivity; it’s also about enjoying the process. When you immerse yourself fully in crafting, you create with love, intention, and a sense of fulfillment. Let go of perfectionism and allow your creativity to flow naturally—your craft is an extension of you, and that in itself makes it beautiful.

So, the next time you pick up your crafting tools, remember to be present, stay intentional, and embrace the joy of creating. What’s your favorite way to stay focused while crafting? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Stay purdie, stay blessed, and stay true to you.

🎬 Movie Review: Sinners

Let’s be clear—Sinners isn’t your typical vampire flick. This film bites deeper.
Directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan in dual roles, Sinners delivers a haunting, heart-pounding tale where horror meets history.

Michael B. Jordan as Stack and Smoke

Set in the Jim Crow-era Deep South, this story blends classic vampire lore—immortality, bloodlust, fear of sunlight—with a chilling metaphor for racism, generational trauma, and survival. The result? A supernatural thriller grounded in truth.

Michael B. Jordan plays twin brothers, Smoke and Stack, navigating grief, legacy, and a deadly vampire uprising led by the sinister Remmick. As their small Mississippi town turns into a hunting ground, what unfolds is more than a fight for survival—it’s a battle for identity, memory, and community

The music? Soulful. The cinematography? Visually stunning. And the subtle symbolism? Chef’s kiss.

And let’s talk cast—Wunmi Mosaku, Miles Caton, Delroy Lindo, and Hailee Steinfeld all deliver performances that elevate the film. Every character serves a purpose, every line hits, and nothing is wasted.

The atmosphere is soaked in blues music and Southern gothic soul. Every frame is intentional. Every note, every stare, every silence holds weight. The vampire horde isn’t just there to scare—they symbolize a deeper, centuries-old hunger to consume and erase Black resilience.

What hit me the hardest?
This story isn’t just about monsters in the night. It’s about the ones we still face in daylight. Coogler uses genre to say what history books won’t. And I felt every bit of it.

My Final Take:

Sinners is a bold, beautiful, and brutal experience. A layered story about love, fear, and what it means to reclaim your power. Michael B. Jordan gives us two unforgettable performances. And Ryan Coogler reminds us why storytelling—especially ours—matters.

10 out of 10. Add it to your must-watch list. And watch it twice.
Because this one? It’s not just entertainment. It’s a mirror.

Liberation, Libations & Love: Catch Me at the Affirmation Summit 2025 with The Purdie Crafting Haven

I'm thrilled to announce that I'll be attending the Affirmation Summit 2025: Liberation & Libations on September 13, 2025, at Lofty Spaces in Dallas, TX. Not only will I have a vendor spot showcasing my products, but I'm also sponsoring a workshop aimed at empowering attendees.​

This transformative one-day wellness event is designed to empower, heal, and uplift. It brings together a powerful community of women and allies committed to holistic well-being, self-discovery, and personal liberation. The summit features immersive workshops, Sunrise Yoga, and interactive experiences led by speakers and facilitators who will guide participants through mindfulness, movement, mental health, sound healing, and more. Attendees can also explore the Empowerment Lounge for self-care tools and shop with wellness-focused vendors. Your ticket supports the creation of a Black-owned wellness center, making every moment at the summit an investment in community healing. ​

AFFIRMATION SUMMIT 2018

I can't wait to connect with like-minded individuals and contribute to this empowering experience. For more details and ticket information, visit the official summit page: ​HoneyBeNatural.HoneyBeWell

Celebrating Black History and Love This February

February is a month that intertwines two powerful themes: love and Black history. It’s a time to honor the contributions of Black leaders, innovators, and creators while also reflecting on the transformative power of love in all its forms. By exploring the legacy of Black excellence and the richness of love—self-love, community love, and romantic love—we can deepen our understanding of how these forces shape our lives.

Black love

Honoring Black History Through Love

Black history is a testament to resilience, strength, and unity. It is filled with stories of individuals and communities who demonstrated immense love—for justice, for culture, and for one another. This February, let’s draw inspiration from those stories and explore how we can carry forward the legacy of love and empowerment.

Words of Affirmation

The power of words has been central to the Black experience. From the speeches of Martin Luther King Jr. to the poetry of Maya Angelou, affirmations of dignity and hope have inspired generations. This month, speak love into your life and those around you:

• "I honor my heritage and the strength of my ancestors."

• "I am worthy of respect and boundless opportunities."

• "My voice carries the legacy of those who came before me."

Write these affirmations or create your own, and let them ground you in pride and self-love.

Acts of Service

Love is action. Black history is filled with acts of service—from community leaders organizing for change to individuals uplifting their families and neighbors. Honor this legacy by giving back:

• Volunteer with a local organization supporting Black communities.

• Mentor a young person and share knowledge or resources.

• Invest time in learning about Black history and sharing it with others.

When you serve others, you contribute to the collective love that sustains and uplift.

Receiving Gifts

Gifting has long been a way to show love in Black culture—whether through heirlooms, handmade treasures, or tokens of appreciation. Celebrate this by:

• Supporting Black-owned businesses and purchasing meaningful gifts.

• Treating yourself to something that honors your heritage, like a book by a Black author or art by a Black creator.

• Sharing small tokens of love with family and friends.

Each gift represents a gesture of care and connection.

Quality Time

Spending time with loved ones has always been a cornerstone of Black culture—from family reunions to community gatherings. This February, prioritize meaningful connections:

• Organize a dinner to celebrate Black history and culture.

• Spend time reflecting on your own history and roots.

• Engage in storytelling, sharing family traditions, and passing down knowledge.

Quality time strengthens bonds and keeps history alive.

Physical Touch

Physical touch has the power to heal and connect. From the comforting embrace of a loved one to the joy of dancing in community, touch is an expression of love and unity:

• Practice self-care by nurturing your body with a skincare ritual or massage.

• Share hugs with family and friends, spreading warmth and connection.

• Engage in movement that celebrates your body, like dance or yoga.

Physical touch is a reminder of the beauty and strength we carry.

Discover Your Love Language

Learning your love language is a powerful way to deepen your self-awareness and improve your connections with others. Take the official Love Language quiz here to uncover how you give and receive love best.

Love, Legacy, and Connection

This February, let’s celebrate Black history and love as interconnected forces that shape who we are. Whether through honoring our ancestors, uplifting our communities, or nurturing ourselves, we have the power to create a legacy of love that endures.

Take time this month to reflect: How can you honor Black history and love in your life? What steps will you take to carry forward these traditions of strength and connection?

Stay purdie, stay blessed, and stay true to you.

A Birthday Road Trip to Remember: The Black Rodeo in Tulsa, OK

When your Sista says she wants to go to the Black Rodeo in Tulsa for her birthday, you gas up the car, grab your best cowboy hat (or at least a cute one for the ‘gram), and hit the road! That’s exactly what I did with my girl I’Sha, and let me tell you—it was a trip for the books!

The Road Trip Shenanigans

We didn’t just drive; we rode in style (aka singing at the top of our lungs, cracking jokes, having a whole lot of girl talk, and stopping for snacks way too many times). Somewhere along the way, we spotted this gorgeous open stretch of road, and you know we had to pull over for an impromptu photoshoot. Sun shining, wind blowing just right—y’all, we were out there posing like we had a whole Vogue cover to shoot.

The Rodeo Vibes: Cowboys, Horses, and Adrenaline

The moment we pulled up to the rodeo, I could feel the energy. Cowboys decked out in their best, beautiful horses trotting like they owned the place, and a crowd that was just as hyped as we were.

But whew, when the bull riding started? Listen, I don’t know how those cowboys do it, but watching them try to hold on to a bucking beast for dear life had my heart racing! It was equal parts terrifying and so exciting. Every time someone lasted past five seconds, the whole arena lost its mind. Respect to those riders, because I would’ve been out at the first jolt.

Tulsa, You Got a Vibe

I have to say, Tulsa surprised me. The city’s energy was warm and welcoming, and everywhere we went, there was this undeniable sense of Black excellence and community.

The Grand Finale: Fixin’s

After all that excitement, we needed some good food, and whew, did we find it at Fixin’s! The place had the perfect Black culture vibe—music, decor, and that undeniable feeling of being home. Now let’s talk food because baby!

I started with fried green tomatoes, and they were crispy, tangy perfection. For my main plate? Fried chicken (juicy and seasoned to the heavens), black-eyed peas, mac & cheese (so creamy it felt like a hug), and a corn muffin that tasted like it was made with love. And the drinks? Served in mason jars for that perfect country touch.

FIXINS Soul Kitchen

222 N Detroit Ave, Ste. 110
Tulsa, OK 74120

The Verdict: 10/10, Would Rodeo Again

This trip was everything—great company, great food, and unforgettable experiences. From the road trip fun to the wild rodeo action and the soul-satisfying meal, Tulsa gave us exactly what we needed.

Moral of the story? When your Sista says rodeo, you say when do we leave?

Photo by I’sha Gaines