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Can baking be a form of therapy? A way to relax? Feel creative? 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.”
Baking can be therapeutic and a simple way to care for your body and mind. Whether you bake all the time or are new to the kitchen, here are 4 key mental health benefits of baking — and why so many people turn to the kitchen when they need a break.
Take time for yourself
Baking can be an easy way to practice self-care. When life feels busy or stressful, taking a moment for yourself can help you feel calmer and more balanced. One of the benefits of being a baker is it’s a built-in way to slow down.
“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
Baking gives you many chances to be creative. You get to choose what to make, how to decorate it, and how to adjust a recipe. Even small choices, like adding fruit or switching ingredients, can spark new idea. And research shows that doing creative activities can help with overall well-being.1
“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.”
Recreate happy memories
Baking uses 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.
This emotional connection is one reason why baking is therapeutic — especially when you're going through difficult or uncertain times.
Baking builds connection and community
Many people say they use baking as a way to cope with or relieve stress — often referred to as stress baking. They stress bake not just for themselves, but for others. Baking for others can help you:·
- Show someone you care
- Celebrate a special moment
- Connect with friends and neighbors
“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 recommended by our doctors, nurses, and dietitians.
Explore mental health and wellness resources
Choose from a broad range of on-demand resources. These These self-care apps2 can help with stress, sleep, anxiety, and more.