Being in the workshop learning, making, creating and exploring makes us happy and we know from the big smiles it makes our students happy to. But making is more then a fun way to pass the time. It actually has a positive effect on your mental health too. Here are our four top reasons why making makes you feel good.
Creative outlet
Jewellery making is a brilliantly creative and satisfying outlet for self-expression, which helps reduce stress and anxiety. It will give you a massive sense of accomplishment and pride when a finished piece of jewellery is created, a great way to boost your self-esteem and confidence.
Mindfulness and focus
Jewellery making requires a lot of attention to detail and focus, which helps you stay to be more present and mindful in the moment. This is a great way to reduce anxiety and improve overall mental well-being. While you are thinking about making you aren't thinking about anything else.
Socialisation
Attending jewellery school gives you time and space to opportunity to meet and connect with like-minded people who share your interest. Spending time with other creatives is important for mental health as it can help to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. For those who suffer with social anxiety or find social situations a challenge being in a class or workshop allows you to be with other with a common theme. it gives you an instant source of things to talk about and if you'd rather sit quietly and get on with your work that's fine too.
Learning new skills
Learning a new skill is incredibly rewarding, it'll give you a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Jewellery making is a unique skill that requires creativity, patience, and attention to detail, when it goes right it's incredibly satisfying. The skills you learn in a class are often skills you'll find useful in other things - whether that's practical skills like tool use or design or more transferable skills like perseverance or creative thinking.
At NJS we try to provide a positive and stimulating environment that can contribute to an everyone's mental health and well-being and we see it happen every day.
Maintaining your creative outlet won't ensure good mental health on their own but giving yourself the time, space and permission to do something you love is an important part of taking care of you.