Baking
Back in my adolescent years, I used to take part in 4-H. One of the activities I signed up for was baking/cooking. Now, in this division, they would give you this cookbook all about how to cook, different utensils, what everything means, etc. They also had recipes in there. You were tasked with completing the end of the cookbook which had a workbook. You had to try several recipes (usually baking recipes). My brothers STILL talk about this experience to this day. I was not a good cook back then (and let’s be real, the recipes weren’t great either). I tried muffins, pretzels, bread, and cookies. The pretzels were especially a disaster. However, over the years, my baking has gotten much better.
I’ve somehow found a few good recipes in the past couple years, and I’m telling you, now, two loaves don’t last more than 36 hours in my house. Sometimes I can be a little reluctant to start baking, but once I do, I’m completely in the zone and am loving it. I put some music on and have the food to focus on instead of whatever I’m worried or stressed out about. Baking is a great way to release stress and relax in a productive way. Sometimes trying to relax through something like watching TV doesn’t feel great. People like to rest in other ways that feel productive but stressless at the same time, and baking can be one of those ways.
There is something about working with your hands in a creative way that is so good for our brains. Sometimes we think of creativity or art and only think of the obvious painting, drawing, pottery, etc., but creativity comes in so many forms. That random extra spice you thought would taste good this time in those muffins? Creative. Frosting those cookies? Art. Using that right side of our brain is healthy! I know everytime I do something “cool” in the kitchen, I feel accomplished. Making something edible that you’re proud of is rewarding.
Baking isn’t just beneficial for your own mental health. It’s fun for those around you too! How often do you make cookies and then eat ALL of them before they go stale? That’s what I thought. Could you bake for someone else? Think of a person in your life who could really use a pick-me-up. It feels great when someone says they’ve been thinking of you. When you bake for someone else, you are doubling the good feelings. You release stress through baking, and someone’s day just got better from your gift.
Baking certainly isn’t for everyone, but it’s worth a try. I think so many people say they can’t do anything in the kitchen, and it’s only because they’ve never tried before. This could be a new hobby you enjoy, and if you’re already doing it, keep it up!
Challenges/Points:
Baking is a way to focus on something else instead of your worries and anxieties.
Baking for someone else can be a great way to lift two people’s moods!
Try baking something this week - cookies, pie, bread, etc.
Questions:
Do you like to bake?
What is your favorite baked good to eat or to make?
What holds you back from trying this hobby?
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