Did you know that working with clay has tons of mental health benefits? And when was the last time you took a break from your busy schedule to learn something new?
You may be surprised by the results if you do, just like Lindsay, Poosh’s marketing manager. When Lindsay walked into the first class of an eight-week pottery wheel course, she expected to pick it up easily.
Things did not go according to plan.
As an intuitively creative person who likes to flow rather than follow instructions, she struggled with the step-by-step precision that’s required when learning how to throw (shape) clay on a pottery wheel.
“It was very humbling,” Lindsay says.
But she liked the challenge. “I had to come in and turn my brain on. It was a more cerebral process than I expected, where I really had to pay attention to the connection between my mind and my hands.”
And she was really onto something. Pottery can be extremely therapeutic, encouraging mindfulness and balance within oneself.
“I think a big reason why people don’t sign up for things like this is because it’s like, ‘Oh, it’s two hours on a Saturday for six to eight weeks,’” Lindsay says. “And that’s a commitment, you know?”
Inspired by Lindsay’s journey, we wanted to explore some of the benefits of taking pottery classes. Check them out below, and find some tips for your first class.
Embrace your feminine energy.
“When work is so crazy I really want to make sure I’m balancing out my feminine energy,” Lindsay says. “Masculine energy is used a lot when you’re working and you’re in that kind of “go, go, go,” mindset, whereas feminine energy is more of a resting energy, like being creative, doing art, and self-care.”
(It’s important to note that masculine and feminine traits are not necessarily tied to a person’s gender. Everyone needs to have some aspects of both.)
No screen time does a body (and brain) good.
We all know that excessive screen time is bad for our health. But even so, many of us still struggle to put down our phones. Working with clay has kind of a built-in safeguard against scrolling because your hands are dirty.
“Just having those moments in my week where I was off my phone and being creative … I was using my hands and my brain in a different way, and it was amazing,” Lindsay says.
Pottery classes can be incredibly grounding (pun intended).
The tactile experience of working with clay can be a meditative experience that connects you to the present moment. Studies have suggested that creating with clay can help reduce stress and anxiety, and even lower cortisol levels.
Pottery is intricate, hands-on work that requires you to engage your brain in ways most of us probably don’t on a daily basis. It forces you to focus and find a mind-body connection, which can lead to a flow state where you become so immersed that you lose track of time and space. Research has found that being in a flow state can help you build resilience and manage stress, as well as make you feel happier and more fulfilled.
Looking for a sober activity? Take a pottery class with your friends instead of hitting the bars. Also, it’s a great place to make new friends as an adult (something that can be really difficult!).
Tips for first-timers:
- Take advantage of open hours. If your studio offers them, try to schedule your course when you know you’ll have a little extra time to dedicate to practicing.
- This seems obvious, but keep your nails short. And take off any rings.
- Also seemingly obvious—you’re going to get dirty.
- Don’t compare yourself to other people.
- Enjoy the process, and don’t get hung up on perfection.
“The first piece I made is a little bit lopsided, but it’s my key holder, so I see it every single day. And it’s like, okay, wow, I created that,” Lindsay says. “And even though it’s not perfect, it still came from me and my creation.”
The content provided in this article is provided for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice and consultation, including professional medical advice and consultation; it is provided with the understanding that Poosh, LLC (“Poosh”) is not engaged in the provision or rendering of medical advice or services. The opinions and content included in the article are the views of the author only, and Poosh does not endorse or recommend any such content or information, or any product or service mentioned in the article. You understand and agree that Poosh shall not be liable for any claim, loss, or damage arising out of the use of, or reliance upon any content or information in the article.
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