Food  

5 Ways Baking Can Boost Your Mental Health

By Odunmorayo Oke

06 August 2024   |   7:00 pm

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If you’ve been feeling stressed and anxious lately, baking might just be the recipe for your happiness. While we’re all aware of the delicious results of making your favourite baked snacks and desserts, the benefits of baking go beyond just satisfying your sweet tooth. Recent studies show how this can be a mood booster, providing…

If you’ve been feeling stressed and anxious lately, baking might just be the recipe for your happiness. While we’re all aware of the delicious results of making your favourite baked snacks and desserts, the benefits of baking go beyond just satisfying your sweet tooth.

Recent studies show how this can be a mood booster, providing a calm therapeutic escape from the daily hustle. Here’s how:

1. Coping with grief

One study found that a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and culinary therapy, which involves baking and cooking, was effective in helping hospice patients work through the grieving process after losing a loved one. Furthermore, the researchers believe that baking and cooking activities may help prevent or manage the complex emotional challenges that often accompany grief.

2. Boosting the wellbeing of teenagers

The benefits of baking aren’t limited to end-of-life care either. Another study revealed that adolescents with strong cooking skills reported higher overall mental well-being and fewer symptoms of depression. They report that the process of following recipes, measuring ingredients, and creating something delicious has a therapeutic effect.

3. Calming the mind

Interestingly, baking may help regulate brain activity in a manner similar to mindful meditation. The act of baking engages the parts of the brain involved in self-control and strategic thinking, which can promote a sense of calm and focus which is exactly what’s needed to manage stress, anxiety, and fear during tough times.

4. A sense of control

With so much happening outside of one’s control these days, baking provides a valuable outlet. Following a precise set of steps to transform raw ingredients into a finished product you can enjoy has empowering and restorative benefits. Also, it gives you a tangible way to regain a sense of command over at least one aspect of your life.

5. Improving concentration

Additionally, baking offers a welcome mental break from the constant distractions and worries of the outside world. The process requires you to be fully present and attentive, which can help settle an anxious mind and re-center your focus.

READ ALSO: How To Make Oreo Ice Cream With Only Four Ingredients

So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider channeling your energy into baking. The mental health benefits might just provide the comfort you need.