Why is pottery good for mental health?

According to reports, adolescents’ mental health is deteriorating due to their excessive use of social media, with the platforms exacerbating the school-related concerns that adolescents already experience.

Despite the fact that social media can be a force for good, an increasing body of research demonstrates the negative psychological effects of social media on adolescents. Specifically, there is no escape. Social media permits the school day to extend well past the final chime.

While we have discussed how pottery swept the lockdown world, largely due to the positive mindful effects on adults (anyone who has squished a bit of wet clay between their fingers will understand what I mean when I say there is something very therapeutic about that! ), there is no doubt that pottery could also benefit adolescents and children.

It is impossible to make pottery while browsing Instagram; seriously, no teenager would place their muddy hands near an iPhone! This means a few much-needed hours away from their phone, engaged in an entirely different activity. If that’s not enough to convince you (! ), here are our top five reasons why pottery is excellent for your mental health, whether you’re a teenager struggling through school or an adult dealing with life’s stresses!

1.	PROVIDES A CREATIVE OUTLET
2.	ENCOURAGES SOCIABILITY
3.	CREATES OPTIMISTIC AND POSITIVE OUTLOOK
4.	IMPROVES FOCUS AND BEING PRESENT
5.	EDUCES STRESS

1. PROVIDES A CREATIVE OUTLET 

Humans are designed to be active and inventive, and we have relied on our hands for thousands of years to survive. The proliferation of technology has caused us to remain behind a desk or in front of a computer, whether at work, school, or at home with social media and gaming. As a result, we engage in far less physical activity than is optimal for body and mind.

“Working with our hands may be essential to maintaining a healthy mood,”[10] and the hand-brain connection is essential to humans, producing a positive feedback loop that can really help you develop. [11] In the modern world, pottery enables your brain to be “offline” for a moment, allowing you to get out of your head and into your body (giving your brain a rest!).

According to research, craft can alleviate the symptoms of anxiety, melancholy, loneliness, and even dementia, whereas school and work may not provide opportunities for creativity. Pottery-making could be the extracurricular or after-work creative activity your mind needs to find peace and tranquility.

2. ENCOURAGES SOCIABILITY

As humans, we dream, learn, develop, and work as members of societies that shape our identities; however, a study indicates that those who struggle in social situations may be at a greater risk for mental and physical health issues.

Pottery is the ideal hobby for those who feel apprehensive in groups because it is primarily solitary work, giving you a chance to switch off and work alone, but also a chance to socialize in between creating, as potters and students frequently work or take classes alongside one another in studios and tend to form a community. They are also a warm and welcoming group that will place you at ease.

3. CREATES OPTIMISTIC AND POSITIVE OUTLOOK 

Additionally, learning a new skill makes us feel and think more positively. It exposes us to new ideas and keeps us engaged and inquisitive. It provides us a sense of accomplishment and boosts our self-esteem and resiliency”. Making pottery is an excellent new skill to acquire because the final result is tangible. Even though it may not be the perfect work of art to begin with, it is something you created from inception and can be proud of.

Beginning at the end of October, Keeeps will offer pottery classes from our incredible Marlow store. If you want to try your hand at pottery, visit our website and register. Not only will you learn a new skill, but you will also meet some delightful people, relax for a few hours, and you may even go home with a handcrafted item!

4. IMPROVES FOCUS AND BEING PRESENT 

Pottery-making enables you to escape from life’s stresses and concentrate on your creation. Being able to completely concentrate on something relaxes and expands the mind, allowing you to be more present when performing other daily tasks.

Garthine Walker, a therapist and psychotherapeutic counsellor, stated that people with anxiety, stress, and depression can benefit from these mindful activities because they “can help clients learn to self-regulate, to bring themselves back to the present when their thoughts and feelings have strayed to the past or future.”

Similar to meditation, many potters described clay work as a way to get out of their minds and into their bodies. The majority of people work alone on a project, and a kind of peace or flow state comes over the artist as they allow the clay to join them.

5. EDUCES STRESS

Unfortunately, stress is unavoidable and an unavoidable component of life; the challenge lies in managing stress and minimizing its negative effects on a person’s mental and physical health. We all have methods to combat stress, such as going for a run, taking the dog for a walk, or incorporating a bit of “me-time” into our daily yoga practice. Pottery is not the first thing that comes to mind when contemplating mindfulness practices, but it has numerous tranquil and soothing benefits.

It has been known for some time that art therapy relaxes individuals, thereby reducing their stress levels, and a recent study has confirmed these benefits. The research found that art activities, such as working with clay, can reduce the stress hormone cortisol in as little as 45 minutes.