The Surprising Benefits of Working with Clay for Your Mental Health
- marketing45001
- Jun 4
- 4 min read
When was the last time you became so absorbed in an activity that everything else faded away? For many folks, the answer can be found in the simple yet powerful act of playing with clay. Ceramics goes beyond creating beautiful pieces; it offers a meaningful way to relax, focus, and improve brain connections. In our fast-paced lives, taking time to engage with art might be just what we all need to recharge and reset our minds.
Before we get into some of the benefits, let's dispel any preconceived notions you may have. You don't have to be "good" at art to benefit from playing with clay. You don't have to make "perfect pieces" to benefit from playing with clay. You don't have to dedicate your entire life to ceramics to benefit from playing with clay. Just the simple act of touching, thinking, and enjoying is enough!
So, what specific things can engaging with ceramics help with?
Lowering Stress
Engaging in hands-on activities like ceramics can lower cortisol levels, the hormone linked to stress. Activities such as rolling, pinching, and shaping clay can evoke relaxation similar to yoga or mindful breathing. A study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology revealed that creative activities enhance emotional well-being and can increase happiness levels by up to 30%.
Working with clay is naturally soothing! The sensation of mud between your fingers can help you disconnect from the chaos around you. This hands-on activity anchors you in the present, much like meditation. As you create, you can enter a state of flow where time seems to both stretch and shrink, offering a break from your day-to-day.
Building Focus
In addition to reducing stress, working with clay also improves focus. In a world overflowing with distractions, strengthening your focus has never been more important! Working with ceramics requires concentration and attention at every stage, from conception to glazing. Working with your hands activates both the left and right sides of your brain, which can improve your mood and problem-solving skills.
The immediate feedback you get from working with clay is also super rewarding to keep focus; as you turn a lump of clay into a bowl or a sculpture, you see each subtle movement you make and how it changes your piece. This instant gratification will boost your motivation, reinforcing a positive feedback loop that encourages even MORE creativity!
Community and Connection
Diving into ceramics often leads to a strong sense of community, especially in a space with Open Studio hours (hint, hint). Beginning a journey in playing with clay not only provides a creative outlet but also fosters meaningful social connections. Engaging with like-minded individuals who share a passion for clay can lead to supportive and incredibly rewarding friendships. You can even coordinate free time to make the most of your local studio's offerings!
How Would Someone Get Started
Start Small: Begin with a simple project in single-day workshops like slab-built vessels, this project could be a mug or bowl. Trying out a low-commitment form of classes will help you get comfortable with the medium before tackling more complex forms or dedicating more of your time.
Join a Course: Look for a multi-week course that will teach you the essentials to get you working independently! Not only will you gain essential skills, but you'll also meet fellow pottery lovers who are just as committed as you are.
Create or Find a Dedicated Space: Set up a small area at home where you can safely focus on your work OR join a local pottery studio for their Open Studio hours. Having space as a resource will encourage regular practice. We always say that practice makes progress!
(THESE NEXT ONES ARE HARD)
Embrace Imperfection: Accept that not every single piece that you make will be perfect. Each piece is unique, and mistakes are part of the learning process. We advise our students to not become attached to your pieces! We've had work basically shatter even AFTER the glaze firing... Make sure to keep a project journal to make notes in and use to improve for next time!
Make Time for Yourself: Allocate specific time for your ceramics practice. We have patrons schedule Open Studio time up to a MONTH in advance! This commitment will deepen your relaxation, focus, confidence, and enhance the overall benefits you gain.
Working with clay has remarkable benefits for our mental health and it is super easy to get started! By prioritizing relaxation, enhancing focus, and promoting better neural connections, engaging with ceramics offers a unique form of self-care. As you journey into this medium, you will discover not only beautiful creations but also a more peaceful mind and a reinvigorated spirit. Why not roll up your sleeves and begin your creative journey in ceramics today? Join us for a workshop and discover the joy of creating with clay! We can't wait to see what you create with us in The Eccentric Artist Studio.
Signed,
Your Local Eccentric Studio
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