By Ruqaiyah Rafeek

Ever had a mental breakdown so bad that it’s got you tied to your bed not wanting to move an inch, even if nature called?

Let me set the scene.

It’s a late Wednesday afternoon (because who likes those) and you’ve got at least 3 assignments due on Friday, your manager hasn’t stopped calling you on your supposed “day off”, your mother is complaining on the phone to a relative about how you don’t do any chores and your cat has just torn out your favorite blanket. 

You’re at your wits end, and running away to a far away land where no one knows you seems real tempting.

Might I suggest baking a loaf of banana bread instead?

Pulling out a bowl to start creaming together some butter and sugar when you’re a hysterical mess can seem questionable. But, this goes a little deeper than just rewarding yourself with a sweet treat.

Here are a few reasons baking could be considered your next self care hobby. 

Stress relieving

Although the act may seem laborious, baking is known to help with lowering stress hormones such as cortisol, meaning it can help with improving your sleep, regulating blood pressure and inflammation as well as improving your immune system and metabolism. Apart from these physical benefits, baking is considered to be a part of art therapy, which is directly linked to reducing stress levels and is even attested by mental health professionals. That exhilarating feeling of punching down on a smooth dough ball to release all your pent up frustrations is still one of the most anticipated moments - whether you’re an amateur at baking or not. It would certainly have to go on your bucket list, if you haven’t already tried.

Encourages creativity

If you’ve ever looked through that cookbook lying on your grandmother’s coffee table, you’ll find that it is loaded with various dishes that bring together multiple cultures and cuisines. Each recipe is an expression of adoration for food by crafting unique bites of joy. It’s easy to understand that even with just a few basic ingredients, you can create magic! The act of experimenting with flavors, techniques, and presentation is a great creative outlet - something that aids us to navigate and process our emotions healthily. The best part about this is you can eat your artwork immediately afterwards! 

Stimulates all senses

The five senses technique is a common sensory grounding technique that enables individuals struggling with anxiety to find calm in their surroundings by getting them to recognize at least one item they can touch, smell, see, hear and taste. Baking is an activity that undeniably stimulates all five of our senses simultaneously, and this aspect of baking is found to be very therapeutic for many. Working with your hands, hearing the satisfying crack of an egg, smelling the sweet aromas from vanilla to caramel, letting your eyes feast on a rising cake in the oven as you wait (im)patiently, and sneaking in a piece hot off the pan - this is an experience your body will thank you for. 

Mood booster

As baking is an activity that requires focus and concentration, this ensures that we stay in the present moment. By shifting your attention to measuring out ingredients precisely and following steps on a recipe, you disrupt any negative energy or thoughts, attaining a similar effect to mindfulness. Also, who wouldn’t feel a sense of accomplishment as they pulled out a tray of freshly baked pastries from the oven? The effects of a self confidence boost may be just what you need after the day you’ve had.

Provides opportunities to foster relationships

There is no fitting quote to understand this other than “food brings people together.” The beautiful wisdom of the kitchen being the heart of our homes stands true as part of the joy lies in sharing the fruits of your labor with who you love, whether that’s family, friends or your next door neighbour. Of course, you can indulge in a quick mug cake for one, but sharing a plate with someone makes it all the more sweeter. It also serves as the perfect icebreaker to get to know someone better and make a good impression, be it, your new boss, a new group of friends or the girl you’re too afraid to ask out. You could either gift them a homemade chocolate cake or invite them over to bake it together and make a day of it, as it would be an opportunity to create new memories together and serve as a unique and fun bonding experience. Just make sure to ask if they’re allergic to anything beforehand!

While this self-care approach may not eliminate anxiety for everyone, it can still be a fantastic way to ease stress by redirecting that energy into something productive that yields a hearty plate of wholesome and delicious food. So, the next time you come across a packet of cocoa powder on your grocery trip, you might want to consider purchasing it for good measure. There’s no saying when life will throw you a curveball, and if anything, it’s always good to be prepared with a whisk in hand.