I can’t say that I bake every week, but when I do, it is certainly a joy.
By Jennifer R. Farmer
When I am stressed or feeling overwhelmed, I turn to activities that have brought encouragement in the past. Baking provides the relief I need. It is an opportunity to express myself creatively, while clearing my mind of weighty items.
Baking seems simple but it involves attention to detail. This demand – adherence to detail – means that I must temporarily put my challenges aside and focus on the treat I’m preparing. Baking requires precision; it is a space where the task at hand and rumination on life’s issues cannot coexist. For this reason, it’s been a go to I use to maintain my mental health.
Psychiatrist Tracey Marks has detailed the benefits of behavioral activation; a form of cognitive behavioral therapy where you modify what you do. In a YouTube video to her more than 1,580,000 followers, Marks shares that “research shows that participating in constructive activities, even in minor amounts, can have a positive reinforcement effect.”
When I’m feeling down, but still have energy, I bake. It may help you as well. Of course, this recommendation is offered from a blogger. You’ll certainly want to consult your family medicine doctor, therapist or psychiatrist and follow their guidance. This article is not meant to offer medical or mental health advice. I’m simply sharing what has worked for me.
When I’ve used baking to boost my mood, I remind myself not to chase perfection. I remind myself to slow down and enjoy the ride. If my final product is less than I had hoped, I think about the steps I may have missed and remind myself that I can always try again. It truly is no big deal.
Importantly, baking has helped me get into a meditative state that I believed soothed my nervous system and mind. When I’m in the kitchen, it’s tough to think about the demands of others as I’m focused on ensuring the butter is appropriately softened, the sugar is sufficiently mixed and that I haven’t missed an ingredient.
And the beautiful thing about baking – or cooking for that matter – is that I can involve my little one. From gathering the necessary tools, to measuring out ingredients, to blending everything together, there are a plethora of things for my little one to do; it not only occupies her time but affords bonding time.
Since baking does require energy, if I am really depleted, I’ll visit a bakery instead. And I still enjoy a benefit of going to a bakery rather than preparing something sweet in my kitchen. This is because I love seeing the end result of someone else’s baking journey. I appreciate the scent of sweets, perfectly decorated cookies, and the professional display of cakes and cupcakes. As a small business owner, I also enjoy scouring my community for new or favorite bakeries; not to mention supporting fellow entrepreneurs.
The bottom line is that sweets can be good for our tastebuds as well as our moods.
I can’t say that I bake every week, but when I do, it is certainly a joy.
