News sponsored by Vodacom Transformation of Work:

It's Pokémon Day today, marking 28 years since Pokémon Red and Green debuted in Japan. Toy company Mattel’s MEGA Construx construction building blocks allow anyone to build their own Pokémon, with a number of different sets available. MEGA Construx believes that there are a range of benefits of playing with building blocks as an adult. So, if you are partaking in a bit of Pokémon construction today, know that you are benefitting from the following:

Enhanced Creativity

Building blocks provide a creative outlet for adults to explore their imagination. The process of constructing objects or designs encourages innovative thinking and problem-solving, they also have stress relief benefits to them.

Improved Focus and Concentration

Building intricate structures requires concentration and attention to detail. Regular engagement with building blocks can contribute to improved focus and enhanced cognitive abilities. This also encourages a sense of accomplishment from completing a complex or challenging build.

Enhanced Spatial Skills:

More than just being a mindful escape from the demands of daily life, manipulating blocks in three-dimensional space enhances spatial awareness and visualisation skills. This is particularly beneficial for tasks that involve understanding and interpreting spatial relationships.

Cognitive Stimulation

Building blocks stimulate cognitive functions such as memory, problem-solving, and logical thinking. Adults engaging in these activities exercise their brains, promoting mental agility, as well as the fine motor skills that the precise handling of building blocks promote.

Nostalgic Connection & Social Bonding

Building with blocks often evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminding adults of childhood play. This connection to positive memories can contribute to a more joyful and relaxed state of mind. Also, as an activity, it fosters connections between individuals. Whether collaborating on a project or sharing creative ideas, it provides an avenue for social interaction and bonding among adults.

Here are a few things you might not have known about Pokémon:

• Game Freak's designer Ken Sugimori designed the original 151 Pokémon. The designs were intentionally kept simple due to technical constraints and to make them easily recognisable.
• The legendary Pokémon Gyarados and Magikarp are based on a Chinese myth about a carp that transforms into a dragon after swimming upstream and overcoming a waterfall.
• Hidden Evolutionary Connection: Eevee's multiple evolutions were initially a technical solution to a limitation in the game's coding. Each evolution allowed for a new form without requiring additional programming.

Whether you're a seasoned Pokémon master or a newcomer, MEGA Bloks believe its Pokémon sets cater to every builder's aspiration. Each set features beloved Pokémon characters rendered in vibrant detail. These sets inspire a new generation of builders to explore the endless possibilities of the Pokémon universe. So, grab your bricks and let the building begin – today your Pokémon adventure awaits.