Food for Thought

February 21, 2025
by Cara

School/Life Balance

First, it started with cookies and cupcakes. Next, banana bread. Then a peach galette, lemon bars, pretzels, scones, more cookies, and bagels. Like many during the pandemic, the kitchen was my escape, using carb-heavy and sugary treats to detach my mind from the stress around me. Since then, baking has become my go-to form of self-care, and here’s why I think it should be yours too.

Baking provides a creative outlet

Whenever I’m baking, I can’t help but pretend I have my own Food Network show. Most of my creations turn out both edible and delicious, yet the process to that result isn’t always as seamless as the celebrity chefs make it look. But that’s what I love about baking — the unpredictability. Whether you follow the recipe exactly or not, no two outcomes are ever the same. From substituting ingredients to adding mix-ins or salvaging a failed dough — it all makes something uniquely yours. After all, perfection is overrated, and the most memorable treats are often the ones where we accept things as they are and allow ourselves to get a little messy along the way.

Baking promotes mindfulness for both yourself and others

We’ve all heard about the benefits of mindfulness — how it reduces stress and improves happiness. Baking provides those same benefits. It forces you to be present and attentive by engaging both your senses and body. For example, measuring or inhaling the lovely aroma as it bakes is therapeutic, encouraging you to not go through the motions to feel more connected to what you’re making. Additionally, consider how mixing the dough not only brings everything together, but also serves as an outlet to release frustration. I notice that my nerves and racing thoughts dissipate when I’m fully immersed in the recipe, and I feel a greater sense of peace and accomplishment when I see the final dish.

What also makes baking more restorative is that recipes are meant to be either baked together or shared with others. Everything I learned about baking, I learned from just being with my mom and grandma in the kitchen. I always enjoyed hearing how the recipes we made were a continuation of traditions. Moreover, no matter the occasion, dessert serves as the catalyst for connection. It’s comforting to connect with friends and family over something yummy while reminiscing about our days and sharing a few laughs. Plus, it’s all the more fun and rewarding when there’s a team challenge involved.

Baking provides a sense of purpose

The heart of baking is giving. Whether it’s sharing something you made, recipes passed down through generations, or creating lasting memories.

In many cultures, food is the concrete manifestation of love. It’s not about expecting anything in return; it’s the sense of helping in some way. There’s an incredible satisfaction from seeing people enjoy the fruits of my labor, knowing it offers them comfort, uplift, or a sense of being appreciated. Simply put, making others feel good makes us feel good. As they say, “sharing is caring”, and that’s the kind of thing that strengthens our relationships, and, in turn, enhances our well-being.

Here’s a few of my favorite recipes for when you’re feeling overwhelmed or looking for something new to try. Happy baking!

• Chocolate chip cookies, from Broma Bakery
• Thumbprint cookies, from Preppy Kitchen

You’ve Met Your (Banana) Matcha Loaf from Mind Over Batter

A whole book talking about baking as therapy! Jack Hazan, a psychotherapist and baker, shares recipes to support different needs — whether you’re feeling anxious, in need of connection, or practicing self-care. He also includes affirmations, mindfulness exercises, and baking tips. See the recipe below!

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