The wonderful wellbeing benefits of pottery

Did you know one in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem every year?

That’s according to the charity Mind, who also state one in six people in England experience a common mental health problem, such as anxiety or depression, in any given week.

Arts and crafts workshops, including pottery, are a well-known way to enhance wellbeing and are often incorporated into therapeutic and corporate wellness programmes.

Here are just a few ways getting stuck into a pottery class or wheel-throwing workshop can help you find inner balance and improve wellbeing.

Eases stress and tension

Making pottery is a mindful activity and requires undivided attention. The tactile nature of shaping clay leaves little room for distraction! It’s soothing, quiets the noise in the mind, and makes it easy to find peace in the present moment.

Focusing on the here and now allows us to disconnect from the overstimulation so common with busy, modern lifestyles. Just a few hours of working with ceramics can rejuvenate and recharge your mental state, while reducing anxiety, stress, and tension.

Improves concentration and focus

Because pottery is calming and meditative, you’re able to fully focus and concentrate. This helps keep the mind occupied and focused on the task in hand, which can boost concentration and focus. This, in turn, can improve your overall mental health and, with practice, improve focus in other areas of your life.

Zaps pain

Stress can lead to feeling pain and discomfort. And this can heighten stress! Pottery is a hobby well-known for reducing stress levels so it makes sense that pain may be alleviated.

Additionally, the gentle movement when working with clay can strengthen hands, wrists, and arms. This can be beneficial to those with arthritis or stiffness in these areas, as it promotes dexterity and joint movement.

Supports self-expression and creativity

Expressing emotions and experiences can be challenging. The freedom to mould and shape clay can help channel emotions into tangible forms. This gives a unique way to express yourself beyond words, offering a valuable avenue for self-discovery and exploring emotions.

As a thoughtful, artistic activity pottery can also help you express creativity. You may be more creative than you think as there’s no right or wrong way in pottery!

Promotes self-esteem

There's a special satisfaction that can be enjoyed from creating something from scratch.

The creative process of making pottery and exploring and experimenting with different techniques and styles can help give you a sense of achievement and pride. So, when working with pottery, be sure to take a moment and reflect on what you have achieved and feel your self-confidence soar.

Make social connections

Being lonely isn't a mental health problem, but the two are strongly linked. Attending a pottery workshop is a good way to meet other people within a like-minded and supportive community. Our sessions are a great way to bring people together in a space where everyone feels accepted and understood.

Our workshops give the chance to improve your mental wellbeing and complement any corporate wellness programme. They’re held in our studio, and in venues around the North East of England, with all materials and tools provided. You’ll leave your work to be fired, glazed, and finished.

So why not give pottery a try and experience the wellbeing health benefits firsthand? See details and dates for our pottery workshops or get in touch to ask about arranging tailored sessions.