7 Mindful Ways Pottery Painting Lets You Chill Out

Whether you’ve had a stressful week at work or you’d like to explore a new side of your city, pottery classes in San Francisco are a great way to harness the benefits of mindfulness and unlock a whole new level of Zen. Up there with yoga and meditation, pottery painting is one of the best ways to relax, unwind, and practice mindfulness!

Understanding the benefits of mindfulness

Practiced by Buddhist monks for centuries and recently popularized by mental health professionals, mindfulness is a form of meditation that helps you focus on the moment and become fully present. When practicing mindfulness, you become more aware of your thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations. The goal is to decrease stress and anxiety, promote happiness, and develop a better understanding of yourself.  

Held across San Francisco and the Bay Area, ceramic painting classes are a unique way to practice mindfulness and learn a fun and hands-on new hobby in the process. No previous experience is necessary, with all classes catered towards beginners. In fact, you don’t even need to be “artsy” to enjoy the benefits of a paint your own pottery class. 

Your experienced teacher will walk you through every step of the process, from the initial design to the finishing touches. You’ll leave with a brand new perspective on pottery and of course, the skills to make unique, one-of-a-kind ceramics. Keep your handmade pottery for yourself or wrap it up and give it to loved ones as gifts. 

Want to know more about the mindfulness and mental health benefits of pottery painting? Here are 7 mindful ways pottery painting lets you chill out.

1. Find your flow state

The repetitive and soothing nature of pottery making makes it one of the best art forms for getting into your flow state. Also known as being in the zone, this psychological term describes a mental state where you’ll be fully engaged and immersed in the task at hand. 

Your senses feel heightened, time seems to slow down, and you experience a deep sense of connection between your mind and body. It’s essentially a “natural high” that can work wonders for your mood, energy levels, and overall mental health. 

2. Learn a new skill

Learning a new skill calls for serious focus and concentration. If you’re easily distracted and find it difficult to unwind with a book or stay focused during a yoga session, searching for ceramic classes near you could be the perfect solution. In front of the pottery wheel, you’ll be forced to tune into the task at hand and be 100% present in the moment. 

3. Treat yourself to some “me time”

While pottery painting classes are a great activity to enjoy with friends and family, they can also be a fantastic way to indulge in a little “me time”. Studies confirm that spending time alone can help boost happiness, increase productivity, and connect with yourself on a deeper level. You’ll find workshops across the city, making it easy to pencil in “me time” whether you live downtown, across the bay in Berkeley, or further south towards San Mateo. 

4. Flex your creative streak

Wheel throwing classes are a great way to flex your creative muscles and tap into the benefits of art therapy. A growing body of research suggests that creating art actively reduces cortisol levels and helps you to relax and destress. As well as a genuine sense of accomplishment, finishing creative projects can boost the neurotransmitter chemical dopamine - aka the “feelgood” hormone.

Think up a design and bring it to life in the studio, or follow your artistic intuition and go with the flow. No matter which direction you take, these calming pottery classes will leave you feeling creative and inspired. 

Experts also agree that engaging in creative activities can help to boost self-esteem and improve concentration. This makes pottery wheel classes a great option if you’re looking for fun team-building activities in the Bay Area. Whether your team is based in San Jose or South Bay, Oakland or Alameda, or somewhere in between, pottery classes are one of the best things to do in San Francisco for work crews. 

5. Create thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gifts

Gifts are a wonderful opportunity to show your loved ones just how much your care. Taking pottery classes near you is a great way to elevate your gifts to the next level and wrap up something meaningful. Whether you’re painting a vase for your bestie or a mug for your mother-in-law, you’ll feel a huge sense of satisfaction knowing you made your gift from scratch. 

Know someone who would love to learn how to make glazed pottery? Clay wheel workshops are one of the top fun things to do in the Bay Area and make unique gift experiences. 

6. Connect with the local community 

From the moment you step into a ceramic studio on The Peninsula, you’ll feel an instant connection with the local community. Pottery painting classes are a great way to get involved with the local arts and crafts scene. As well as meeting professional ceramicists, you’ll also connect with like-minded locals who share your passion for pottery.

7. Pursue your passion at home

Pottery wheel for beginners workshops aren’t just about enjoying the class itself. You’ll leave with the skills and confidence to pursue your passion at home. Classes are kept deliberately small, meaning you’ll receive plenty of attention and hands-on guidance from your teacher. 

Discover a new passion at a pottery studio near you 

From reducing cortisol levels to unleashing your creative side, there are so many reasons why pottery painting is one of the best activities for mindfulness. Beyond creating a beautiful work of art from scratch, the time you spend in the pottery studio is an amazing opportunity to relax, destress, and practice mindfulness in SF. 

Ready to get behind the ceramics wheel or paint your own pottery? Browse studios in the Bay Area and find pottery classes near you today.