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Looking for a way to relax? Feel creative? Indulge your senses? Baking has all the ingredients you need to refresh and recharge.
“Baking is an opportunity to clear our heads and de-stress,” says Pamela Honsberger, MD, a family doctor and director of physician engagement and leadership development at Kaiser Permanente in Orange County, California. “When you focus your attention on an activity like baking, you’re more present in the moment and less focused on stressors of the past or future.”
And there are many other good things baking can do for your mental health.
Take time for yourself
“Taking time to do something that recharges you and brings you joy in the moment helps build resilience when things are hard. Or when new challenges come up,” says Dr. Honsberger. “And making time for an activity that recharges you is an essential form of self-care in our busy lives.”
Inspire creativity
Choosing what to bake and how you’ll make it is already creative. Whether you’re following recipes or figuring it out as you go, using your hands to create and decorate is artistic too. And research shows that spending time doing something creative can help with overall well-being.*
“The most important part about any new creative task is to go in with realistic goals and not aim for perfectionism,” explains Dr. Honsberger. “Success is trying something new, not comparing yourself or your creations to a picture online or in a cookbook.”
Re-create happy memories
Baking engages all your senses. Plus, it feels good to see the process from beginning to end. But it can also spark nostalgia.
“When we’re cooking and baking, we’re often re-creating positive experiences or happy memories. For example, using the cookie recipe your grandmother passed down to you. That can help you feel connected to moments, memories, or people you love,” says Dr. Honsberger.
Share the joy
Baking for others can offer love, appreciation, celebration, and even sympathy. It shows you care. “Sharing baked goods with your friends and neighbors is a great way to feel connected or make new connections,” says Dr. Honsberger.
If you want to stick with healthy eating habits, you can swap a few ingredients. Try dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate. Or use dates in oatmeal cookies for natural sweetness.
And baking doesn’t always have to be about sweets. With yams, scallions, and ginger, you can make a healthier potato pancake. “Whatever you choose to make, try to stay present in the moment and just enjoy the experience,” says Dr. Honsberger.
Ready to try a new recipe? Discover healthy recipes from our doctors, nurses, and dietitians.
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