I’ve been baking since I was 14. It was almost my ‘go-to’ choice of gifts. I baked at the end of the academic year for my students. I baked for my friend’s engagement parties. I baked for my brother’s wedding.
And then one day, I just stopped. 🙁
Not only was it cumbersome (ugh why does the washing up never end; or that feeling when your sponge just sinks in the middle), but my self imposed baking ban came at a time when I was severely questioning my intentionality behind everything. You see, part of the healing process is unlearning. And this came at a time when I was unlearning my people pleasing tendencies and doing the absolute most in order to make my existence ‘worth it’. I sought validation in others. Baking was just one of those ways this occurred.
Gradually, over time, I’ve come to fall back in love with it. This time it’s not solely to prove my existence and friendship. It’s because I find it healing. It’s mindful. And actually, baking WITH friends is a whole healing event in itself! It just makes the sweet treats for others that little bit more worth it. I no longer vilify the act of kindness for others as a validation begging exercise (even if it was deep down), because now, these childhood hobbies are making a comeback; this time, it’s on my terms.
Here are some of the healing effects of baking for friends:
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- Stress Relief: Engaging in baking can be a therapeutic activity that helps alleviate stress and anxiety. The process of measuring, mixing, and creating something delicious can be meditative and calming.
- Creative Expression: Baking allows for creative expression as you experiment with ingredients, flavours, and presentation. Expressing your creativity through baking can be a satisfying and uplifting experience.
- Mindfulness and Presence: Baking requires focus and attention to detail, which can help you stay present in the moment and take a break from worries or distractions.
- Joy of Giving: Baking treats for friends and sharing them fosters a sense of joy and satisfaction in giving. Seeing your friends enjoy your baked creations can be incredibly rewarding.
- Social Connection: Sharing baked goods with friends can strengthen social bonds and create opportunities for meaningful interactions. It’s a way to show care and appreciation for those in your life.
- Nostalgia and Comfort: Baking can evoke feelings of nostalgia and bring back cherished memories. Enjoying familiar flavors and textures can provide comfort and a sense of well-being. I especially love the smell of baked goods filling up a warm home in the cold of winter and autumn! Where are my hygge fans at!?
7. Sense of Accomplishment: Successfully baking and presenting a delicious treat can boost your self-esteem and provide a sense of accomplishment.
8. Positive Distraction: Baking offers a positive and engaging activity that can help shift your focus away from negative thoughts or stressful situations.
9. Cultural Connection: Baking recipes often have cultural or familial significance. Sharing these traditions with friends can create a sense of connection and belonging. If it wasn’t for my aversion to refined sugar, I’d love to memorise some of the recipes from my South Asian childhood. Any hacks for this?!
10. Mood Enhancement: Engaging in the sensory experience of baking—touching ingredients, smelling aromas, and tasting the final product—can release endorphins and improve your mood.
11. Bonding Time: Baking with friends can be a fun and bonding experience. It allows for shared laughter, teamwork, and the creation of lasting memories. Baking the above biscoff cupcakes was a new recipe for me and my friend and it was the first time we did something like this together – we enjoyed it so much that I’m going to suggest making it a monthly thing!
12. Empowerment and Mastery: Developing baking skills and creating delicious treats can foster a sense of empowerment and mastery over a particular skill. I mean I struggle with a simple buttercream frosting but my friend was teaching me all about Swiss Meringue Frosting and to be honest, just call me Mary Berry at this stage please.
13. Personal Growth: Trying new recipes and techniques can be a journey of self-improvement. Overcoming baking challenges can boost your confidence and resilience.
14. Catharsis and Expression: Baking can provide a form of emotional release and expression. Channeling your emotions into the baking process can be therapeutic.
15. Sensory Pleasure: Baking engages multiple senses, offering a sensory-rich experience that can be pleasurable and uplifting.
16. Neurodivergent friendly: I’ve always found that cooking is a little more forgiving than baking so I would imagine that certain baking recipes are really helpful for neurodivergent people who want to complete a project with clear instructions. This of course will differ from person to person.
So there you have it; if you haven’t been convinced about the healing power of baking yet, start by asking a loved one to bake something for you! Enjoy eating some crumbly, sugary goodness – we all have to start healing somewhere right? 😛
What are you eating first?