Baking to relieve stress

Why does it feel so good to bake something?

All you do is mix a few things together and put it in the oven, right? Then why does it feel so satisfying when it's finished? Maybe because you start from nothing and finish with such a satisfying end result.

freshly baked cookies, ready to go

I'm not sure about anyone else, but when I'm stressed, I bake. When I don't know what to do or where to start with the giant list of tasks I have to achieve, I bake. There is literally nothing like having a fresh set of cookies to get you out of a bad mood and into a better frame of mind.

I want you to think about your favourite thing to bake. What do you enjoy most about eating it? What is it about eating it that makes you feel happy? Is it rich, buttery or smooth?

Think about that warm feeling you get inside when you eat the muffin with butter straight out of the oven. It feels good right?

When the mixer starts turning and the eggs turn to a pale white combined with the sugar, I begin to smile. It's a calming effect to hear the mixer going and to see the creamy texture inside. Moving and coating the sides of the bowl.

I like to bake when it's quiet. No noise and no music, just air and silence. Maybe a bit of Mozart or Tchaikovsky in the background, but nothing crazy.

I like to hear nothing and enjoy the fact that there is nothing to listen to. It lets me focus and enjoy creating.

I've always enjoyed baking. It started when I was young and continues into my adult life. I love eating a sweet thing just as much as making them.

just an apple cake I whipped up when I was feeling sad

I think we all find comfort in combining sugar and butter to start a cookie dough or cake. We take pleasure in sneaking a bit of raw dough off the spoon before someone notices us doing it. Sure the doctor's say it's not good for us, but I believe if something sweet will cheer you up, then it can't be all bad.

The smell has to be one of my favourite things about baking. The air is warm with the the scent of browned butter and it almost makes you feel warm inside.

It is a comforting smell, one that has been captured in scented candles all over the world. These candles are lit and meant to be used to relax and warm your house.

I know when I smell baking, I'm reminded of my youth and most of the time of a parent or grandparent. Sometimes it can make you think about love and hugs and people sitting around a table.

For me, food is so connected to memories and most times they are happy memories. Memories that may make you smile or feel warm.

So, what do I have to say about all this? Bake something. It might make you feel better

banana bread I garnished with some not so perfect blueberries (don't be afraid to bake with imperfect fruit)