It feels like a running joke since the beginning of the pandemic, but the truth about stress baking is this: it actually works.
Search #stressbaking on Instsgram and you’ll find more than 48,000 posts. #Procrastibaking delivers another 47,000+ posts and #anxietybaking 2,500 more. There’s a reason for this.
Stress Baking is the Perfect Distraction
When I’m stressed, baking is the perfect distraction.
It takes concentration to follow a recipe. Even more so if it’s one I’m trying for the first time. Is there a correlation between my stress level and the complexity of the baked good I’m attempting to make? Perhaps.
Baking is methodical. Recipes provide step-by-step instructions. A path to follow. And even if I’m trying a new recipe, the process itself feels familiar.
Stress baking allows me to let go of external stress while I measure out ingredients. I’m focusing on teaspoons vs. tablespoons and the proper order of ingredients (usually wet ingredients first, then add the dry). I’m watching for the proper consistency – don’t overmix! And the right doneness – don’t overbake! There’s no time for external stress when I’m baking. Apparently, there’s enough stress in getting the recipe right!
I learned to use stress baking pretty early on in my adult life. As a college student, my roommates knew when I was stressed. They’d find me in the kitchen whipping up cookies or brownies or banana bread.
Baking Engages the Senses
Baking is a full-on sensory experience. And that means emotional too. The smell of cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice instantly transports me to my childhood kitchen, baking pumpkin bread in coffee canisters with my mom. This emotional experience is comforting.
As I watch the individual ingredients come together into a batter, I hear the familiar whir of the mixer. Watching the loaf rise in the oven to a final product, I know exactly what to expect. A cristy outer crust and perfectly moist center that at once melts in your mouth. Yes, it’s fair to say that stress baking channels all of my senses.
Baking is an Accomplishment
When I present my family with the finished product of my stress baking, I feel accomplished. There is an end product. A final result. Something tangible to show for the effort.
And tell me, who can bite into warm pumpkin bread, or a chocolate chip cookie and not smile? I for one, am not sure I want to meet that person!
The satisfaction I feel watching my family enjoy the fruits of my labor are enough to melt away stress. Because whatever was consuming me is surely not as important as providing such happiness to my family.
Stress Baking Brings Us Together
And not only does a home-baked treat bring me closer to my loved ones, but thanks to social media, baking is bringing us all together. Beyond the hashtags mentioned above, even more are cropping up daily. There is literally a baking niche for everyone.
Whether it’s learning to make yeast dough for bread. Or finding humor in failed attempts. Or cookie-baking. Or frosting techniques. There’s a virtual baking support group to help you hone your stress baking skills waiting to welcome you with open arms.
I mean, obviously there’s a reason that stressed spelled backwards is desserts! And on that note, it’s definitely time for me to go and bake something … 😉 .