Baking can be a brilliant way to feel better and lower stress hormones this International Stress Awareness week, according to Metro.
With the Great British Bake Off 2022 final fast approaching on 15th November, there’s even more of a reason to don your aprons and whisk up a baking delight in the kitchen this Autumn.
So how exactly is baking beneficial for beating the blues and easing stress?
1. Improves focus and concentration
A lack of concentration is one of the most common symptoms of stress - baking can help to improve this as it forces you to focus on the task at hand and follow a set of instructions. Re-applying the mindfulness you learn through baking to other aspects of your life can be a huge help when it comes to managing feelings of stress and anxiety.
2. Provides satisfaction and boosts confidence
Successfully baking those brownies means you’ve ultimately reached a goal that you set out to achieve.
This accomplishment will have a positive impact on your self-esteem and confidence, especially if it gets the thumbs up from others!
3. Benefits relationships
A study by Lovefood found that 61% of people said that sharing their bakes with others made them happy.
Why not bake a cake for a family member’s birthday or organise a coffee and cake morning with some friends? Gifting your baking creations to your loved ones is the perfect way to show you appreciate them.
Baking with other people is also a great way to bond, as shared hobbies and working well as a team creates stronger connections.
4. It’s creative
Trying new things and crafting new creations help to refocus your mind away from stressful thoughts.
There are various studies to show that creative hobbies can also increase your brain health, improve memory, and ease trauma.
5. Stimulates the senses
Kneading the dough, feeling the flour through your fingertips and taking in the delicious smell when you open the oven…all these things will help you to feel calmer.
Baking appeals to all five senses which can be a refreshing alternative to staring at a screen all day and doing activities on a mobile phone.
You can find a wealth of fantastic baking recipes online. We particularly love these Christmas baking recipe ideas!
