It’s no secret that the way we spend our free time is directly linked to our health and wellbeing. 🧡 Taking part in activities for pleasure, without any pressure to achieve a particular outcome, has an incredibly positive effect on how we commit to the present, manage stress, and view the world around us.
As part of our mission to promote employee wellness we’re taking a look at pottery for mental health, and how getting your hands stuck in the clay can help release all sorts of tensions.
There’s nothing more liberating than a blank page – or a lump of clay. All it takes is a little imagination to transform it into your vision, whether you want to make a simple saucer or an ornate vase. The act of creating is a fantastic mental release, and it’s also an opportunity to express yourself in a new and exciting way. Remember, it’s not about the finished piece of pottery, but the thought processes and experiences along the way.
2. Reduces stress
One of the most publicised health benefits of pottery is its relaxing effect. Pottery is often used in professional therapeutic settings as a way to focus the mind on the tactile senses, and encourage a more meditative state. 🧘 This calming, thoughtful activity can help regulate breathing, bring down blood pressure, and release potters from their every day worries.
3. Promotes feeling present
Being present is about focusing on the here and now, rather than being elsewhere in your thoughts. Working with your hands and shaping something new out of clay is a great way to practise being present, without any distractions. In turn, being present can help you become more aware of your surroundings, and also more resilient to change.
4. It’s ok to make mistakes
Here’s the fun intersection of pottery and mental health: it’s a chance to explore and experiment! 🧪 Inevitably things will go wrong sometimes, but that’s part of the joy of opening ourselves up to learning something new. There’s no right or wrong way to get involved with pottery, and each time you play with clay you become a more confident creative force.
5. Boosts positivity and optimism
Mastering a new skill – whatever the level – makes us think and feel more positively. Experimenting with new ideas helps boost your energy and curiosity, just like playing does for children. What’s particularly positive about pottery is that your efforts lead to something tangible: a brand new pot that you can show to the world, or share with someone special. 🏺 Whatever you end up making, it’s a well-earned source of pride which can only improve your outlook.
Send wonderful Sculpd treats with Huggg
Our wellness gifts are designed to relax and pamper hard working colleagues and we’re hearing particularly great things about our make-at-home pottery kits from Sculpd.
Treat teams to illuminating Candle Making Kits, hygge-tastic Home Pottery Kits or unleash their creativity with Pottery and Paints Kits. 🎨
Each kit contains everything needed to create a unique piece of pottery – from premium British air-dry clay and handy step-by-step guides – which recipients can enjoy at their leisure. With plenty of options for personalisation (recipients can choose the scent of their candle, and their preferred varnish for the pottery kits) it’s the perfect gift to keep employees happy and mentally healthy. 🙌
