All of us can appreciate that the end result of baking can delight the senses, but what about the process itself? Home baking can hold a deeper therapeutic value, both for parents and children, and is much more than just a fun and tasty activity – although that is important too. Here are just some of the therapeutic benefits of baking you should know about.
Due to the scientific nature of baking, it requires real attention to detail – making sure you measure ingredients precisely, keeping a close eye on oven timings, ensuring oven temperatures are accurate etc. – that focus can help shift your thoughts from the daily stress and grind of life, grounding you in the present moment, so you are fully engaged in the here and now. This can also be particularly good for children, especially older ones that may be struggling at school, worrying about exams or friendship issues or any other problems.
Whatever you are baking, there is a great sense of achievement, turning a few simple ingredients into a tasty treat can boost your self-esteem and confidence. Positive feedback, especially where children are involved, is paramount, it fosters a growth mindset and helps them understand that with a little effort and persistence they can achieve great things. This form of encouragement can also strengthen the parent-child relationship, creating a supportive environment where children feel valued and motivated to do well.
Baking is a form of art, whether you are experimenting with flavours, shapes or decoration, developing creative expression is important for everyone, whatever their age. It enables individuals to convey their thoughts, feelings and ideas in a personal way. Creative expression can also build confidence and self-awareness, helping individuals understand themselves better. Creativity can enhance problem solving skills and innovative skills too.
Baking is also a powerful tool for helping develop problem solving abilities, enabling children to enhance their maths skills when weighing ingredients, reading recipes and working with others to create something that can bring joy to others. It will also encourage patience; in a world where everything is fast paced, information is delivered in soundbites, people are often in a hurry, you cannot rush a cake, it will be ready when it’s ready and not before. The kitchen can become a fun classroom where life lessons are learned and memories made.
The sensory element of baking can also give immense pleasure – kneading dough, the aroma of fresh baking, the sight of a freshly risen cake – these can all be relaxing and bring great joy, triggering the release of endorphins. Endorphins improve your mood and reduce the feeling of stress and can act as a natural painkiller.
Some family members can struggle with a lack of routine, for example when children are on holiday from school they can develop irregular sleep patterns, their screen time can creep up and they suffer from academic regression. Baking involves following a sequence of steps that must be followed in a particular order, which can provide a comforting sense of structure helping give a sense of order and control. Regular baking sessions can create predictable and comforting patterns in your schedule – for example getting up on a Sunday morning to bake fresh muffins for the family can be a fun activity and won’t take long. The repetitive nature of baking improves focus and organisational abilities over time, helping with the transition back to the routine of school after a long break.
Baking can also create a social connection. Whether you are baking alone and serving your creation to friends and family, or baking with your children or friends, these social interactions can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Sharing baked goods can foster a sense of community and strengthen relationships. imagine the reaction you would get by delivering a cake to an elderly neighbour that lives alone.
Nourishment and self-care are also important, the home baker is in control of what goes into their baked goods – whether you wish to reduce sugar, avoid the additives and preservatives that can often be found in shop bought bakes or create a gluten free version of a family favourite, it’s up to you. Preparing something nutritious and delicious for your family and friends is the perfect way to nurture body and soul, whilst taking time to do something for yourself.
Incorporating baking into your routine can be a great way to support your mental wellbeing.
Whether you are a novice baker or more experienced in the kitchen, the act of creating something with your hands, whether alone or with others, will engage your senses and bring you joy. And make you popular with those you share it with!
Hertfordfshire based Kathy Newport has run a successful celebration cake company for many years and is now sharing her wealth of knowledge about all things baking and the benefits of baking as The Cracking Cake Coach. For more information and a FREE downloadable Baking Basics booklet, to get you started on your baking journey, click HERE.