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Baking as My Go-To Stress Reliever by Jamie Parker
Updated: July 15, 2021 | Originally Published: November 1, 2019
I still remember the first time I baked cookies—it was when I was just six years old. My mom handed me her recipe box, and I was free to explore the tins filled with flour and sugar. After watching her whip up delicious cakes, cookies, and pies for years, I felt so grown-up in that moment.
That day in the kitchen, I carefully pressed a fork into my peanut butter cookies, trying to emulate my mom’s professional touch. With pride, I put them on a beautiful plate and called my family to give them a try. My heart sank a bit when they kindly pointed out I had forgotten to add sugar. “They look amazing though!” they cheered, and one of my sisters even ate two out of pity.
That experience marked the beginning of my baking journey. I discovered that immersing myself in a recipe—even one that was missing a vital ingredient—helped quiet my racing mind. There’s something therapeutic about focusing on a task that allows me to channel my energy into creating something beautiful.
Fast forward to today, I still find solace in baking. When life gets overwhelming, I often seek out new recipes, even if my fridge is already stocked with an apple crisp and a three-layer carrot cake. The urge to bake is irresistible.
There’s a unique joy in sharing my creations with a new neighbor or a friend celebrating a milestone. The excitement that lights up their faces when they see my baked goods is a rush of happiness that’s hard to beat. The holiday season is a particularly cherished time for me, as I bake traditional cookies that my mother used to make. The process of rolling dough and using vintage cookie cutters fills me with a sense of peace, despite the sore back that sometimes follows.
I love to collect recipes, blending old favorites with new finds. There’s a thrill in heading to the store with my shopping list, ready to create something special. Baking allows me to express my creativity and show love to those around me. Sneaking a few chocolate chips while I work and filling my home with mouth-watering aromas is a comfort like no other.
Baking is akin to wrapping myself in a warm, cozy blanket fresh from the dryer. I get excited just walking through the baking aisle, dreaming up ways to decorate my kids’ birthday cakes.
Interestingly, science supports the idea that creative activities, including baking, can significantly reduce stress. According to Donna Pincus, an associate professor at Boston University, creative expression has a strong link to overall wellbeing. Activities like baking offer a channel for relief and self-expression.
Since meditation isn’t my strong suit, I often find that mixing ingredients calms my mind in ways that binge-watching shows cannot. There’s immense satisfaction in decorating a cake or shaping a pie crust just right. When I’m feeling down, pouring my energy into baking helps me escape my thoughts and focus on something tangible.
Using baking as a coping mechanism for anxiety and depression is not uncommon. John Whaite, the winner of the 2012 “The Great British Bake Off,” shared how baking has been a therapeutic outlet for his own struggles.
So, if you haven’t tried baking as a way to alleviate stress, I highly recommend it. It’s a wonderful way to boost your mood, learn something new, and feel accomplished—even if you end up forgetting the sugar.
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Summary:
Baking has been a cherished form of stress relief for me since childhood. From my first attempt at making cookies to my current love for sharing baked goods with others, the therapeutic nature of baking has remained a constant in my life. The act of creating something delicious not only brings joy but also serves as an effective outlet for anxiety and depression. If you haven’t tried it yet, I encourage you to dive into the world of baking—it’s a delightful way to express yourself and find comfort.