"I have always cared about eating well, so baking was never my go-to hobby. Baking, after all, usually means sweet treats to indulge in. But one morning, while working in a children's psychiatric unit, I found myself leading a baking group with the young people. They had chosen a simple brown sugar cookie recipe from the internet, and my task was to make sure that they added measured ingredients appropriately and that no one confused salt with sugar."
"When the cookies came out golden and crisp, their excitement filled the room. It was not really about the cookies. It was about teamwork, focus, and pride in creating something together. For some of the children, it was the first time they had ever baked. Watching them measure, pour, and stir made me realize that something as simple as baking can teach patience, independence, and even confidence."
"Psychologists describe mindfulness as paying attention to the present moment. Baking does exactly that, just with a spoon in hand. The rhythm of stirring, the smell of vanilla, the soft feel of dough-it all keeps you in the moment. Research shows that everyday creative activities like cooking and baking are linked with improved mood and emotional well-being (Tamlin et al., 2016)."
Baking engages the senses and anchors attention through rhythmic actions like measuring, stirring, and smelling ingredients, creating a mindful state. Group baking fosters teamwork, focus, pride, patience, independence, and confidence, especially for first-time bakers. The predictability of following a recipe gives a sense of control and calm during stressful times. Individual baking after a taxing day can produce feelings of lightness and accomplishment. Everyday creative activities such as cooking and baking are associated with improved mood and emotional well-being, linking sensory engagement and shared food creation to mental-health benefits.
Read at Psychology Today
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