Baking can be a profession, hobby, or way to spend an afternoon. It can also give your mental health a boost. In this article, we’ll list the seven ways baking can improve your mental health.

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Boost Your Mood 

Dr. Barbara Geisser, a neurologist at the Pacific Brain Health Center in Santa Monica, California, praised the benefits of baking, stating that kneading dough can be a good form of exercise. The Mayo Clinic reminds us that “Physical activity can boost production of the brain's feel-good neurotransmitters, called endorphins.” 

Reduce Stress

Dr. Giesser says, “The repetition of steady and vigorous kneading can be calming and contemplative. It’s also a good way to let out aggression.” Nicole Beurkens, Ph.D. concurs. “The repetitive motions involved in kneading, mixing, measuring, and cake-decorating can be soothing and stress-reducing.”

Make New Friends

Sharing a drink or cup of coffee can help break the ice, and offering a homemade treat can inspire new friendships to develop. Sharing the recipe or talking about the baking experience can also remove some of the awkwardness of making conversation with unfamiliar people. A 2020 study on the prevention of depression from Psychiatry Online found, ”People who have friends and close confidants are more satisfied with their lives and less likely to suffer from depression” And let’s face it, everyone loves it when a baker shows up and shares their bakes. 

Strengthen Existing Connections

If you’ve ever watched “The Great British Bake Off,” you know that baking is better done in a group. The camaraderie and sharing of triumphs and failures in the kitchen make the effort more fun. Baking with loved ones is a wonderful way to bond, learn, and create together. It can strengthen relationships, make lasting memories, and foster a sense of community. 
According to the Mental Health Foundation, “People who are more socially connected to family, friends, or their community are happier, physically healthier, and live longer, with fewer mental health problems than people who are less well connected.” That’s something to bake about.