During the pandemic and inevitable lockdowns baking soared in popularity, from the banana bread and sourdough trend to experimental baking in our own kitchens. We saw a widespread national flour shortage and the search results for bread, cakes and any baked goods increased with speed.
There are many reasons why as a nation we reached for our rolling pins. Not only has baking provided solace for many, keeping yourself and the kids entertained, it also helped our mental health as a whole with a tasty treat at the end! Here are the many reasons why in a global crisis, locked in our houses, most of us turned to baking…
It’s a form of self care
Research shows there may be beneficial effects beyond a perfectly formed sponge. This includes emotion management, which in a time of unease is important. By baking a cake for your neighbours, you also increase your sense of wellbeing. Even if you bake and eat the cake on your own, it’s a boost of serotonin and a reward for your productivity. The self care solution that our minds and taste buds can agree on! Think of your cake baking as a gentle massage to the mind, and avoid any stress. If it goes wrong, simply start again!
Baking helps us feel in control
The repetition and a quietness that baking brings appeals to us all in times of stress, especially when the world feels out of control! You can control your senses – the smells, the taste, the texture, such a delight! You can also control the amount, the temperature and most importantly the end result, it’s all right there at your fingertips which helps ease an anxious mind. There is no doubt that baking promotes a positive mindset, even easing some symptoms of depression, as it enables us to feel in control of at least one section of our day.
A stress-buster
Get rid of any unnecessary stress, even the hidden, pent up stress built up from your upcoming zoom meeting.
Although researchers haven’t yet looked specifically at cooking as a psychological salve, what we do understand about creative pursuits is that we can finish with a sense of gratification and self worth. Baking, painting and small creative pursuits evoke almost immediate positive emotions that can help to calm stress. It is a simple human experience away from our phones, screens and technology, baking is a skill that is very much rooted in history.
Give your productivity a boost
Baking allows you to engage in a process, with a beginning, middle and end, which is oh so sweet and satisfying. Making you feel accomplished and goal driven, there is nothing like feeling like you have used your time wisely, and once you have baked a cake, you’ll carry this mindset into various other areas of your life, including your working day!
Get social
Baking has served as a common language, a task that anyone, any age can get involved with. Thanks to the internet we now have many portals to share our bakes, follow our favourite chefs and search for new, inspiring recipes. Likewise, novice and seasoned bakers are sharing their successes on the internet. Along with spurring creativity and good vibes, cooking on your own can – perhaps surprisingly – provide a feeling of social connection as someone out there is sure to be baking alongside you, you just don’t know it yet!
Run out of baking inspiration after lockdown? Find decoration, flavouring and just brilliant decoration inspiration at Anges De Sucre, London’s premium bakery. It’s a recipe for a truly show stopping cake!