As February winds down here in the Yukon, the days are finally stretching longer, and that extra light feels like a quiet promise after months of deep darkness. But for many of us, those long winter stretches can weigh heavy on mental health—the cold, the isolation, the darkness. I’ve wondered why some people weather it more easily than others, and what habits help bridge the gap.
I’m one of the lucky ones who doesn’t get hit as hard, but I don’t take that for granted. A big part of staying steady? Pottery. Just over five years ago, I signed up for my first lessons in Whitehorse, thinking it’d be a fun, occasional thing. Turns out, it became non-negotiable—even with a full-time job, kids’ schedules, laundry mountains, meal planning, and all the beautiful chaos of mom life.
People ask, “How do you find the time?” Truth: I don’t always “find” it—I make it. Skipping sessions would cost me more in stress and burnout than the hour or two ever could.
Here’s what pottery gives me in return:
• A fast, powerful stress reset — In 45 minutes at the wheel, my cortisol drops, worries fade, and calm settles in. It’s active meditation that actually clicks for my busy brain.
• Renewed patience and presence — You can't rush pottery. If you skip a step, ie. wedging you will have to spend more time centering and your piece may not turn out how you want. You also can't rush the drying phase. All this has helped grow my patience forcing me to slow down.
• Mood and confidence boost — Finishing a mug or bowl? That “I made this” rush delivers instant dopamine and such a boost of confidence. I love holding something that I made with my two hands that someone can actually use.
• Resilience against burnout — Life wobbles (kids, work, everything), but pottery teaches steadiness. Low-pressure creativity recharges me so I can show up fully for everyone else.
• True restorative “me” time — No screens, just hands in clay and the wheel’s hum. Grounding, joyful, and surprisingly efficient for the deep impact.
If you’re feeling stretched thin and wondering if something like this could help-whether it's pottery, knitting by the fire, cross-country skiing on those crisp trails or another hands-on/outdoor ritual-trust me, it does. That's why I'm thrilled about the pottery retreat I'm planning: a dedicated, interruption-free space to immerse, recharge, and come back stronger. 
Does any of this resonate? What’s your must-make-time self-care ritual that gets you through tough stretches? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear. And if you want more Yukon-rooted reflections on wellness, creativity, and staying grounded up here, subscribe to my newsletter.