Every morning, as I rise from bed, I brace myself for the barrage of unsettling news alerts on my phone. Reports of rising illness cases, tragic discoveries, and social media uproars fill my screen — it’s overwhelming.
My instinctive reaction? A resounding, “Oh fudge!” It’s a clear signal that it’s time to whip up a decadent triple chocolate fudge torte, complete with a rich ganache and layers of bittersweet mousse and raspberry jam. Alternatively, I could revisit my childhood and bake a classic sour cherry pie with a buttery streusel topping and flaky crust. Just the thought of it brings a smile to my face.
Baking has become my refuge. I find myself caught between a need for self-care — which often means tuning out the news — and the responsibility to stay informed in a world that feels like a never-ending dumpster fire. It’s a precarious balancing act. I can’t simply ignore the chaos; that would be irresponsible. Instead, I have to discover ways to manage my stress, frustration, and disillusionment.
This past weekend, I crafted a rosemary and sea-salt focaccia from scratch. After a grueling hour of cable news, I sighed deeply, retreated to my kitchen, and started slicing strawberries. Half of them became a filling for buttery shortcakes, while the remainder morphed into jars of homemade jam. With flour dusting my brow, I leaned against the countertop, feeling a sense of relief wash over me.
For years, I’ve referred to my baking as “stress-baking.” I’ve whipped up “anxiety pie” and “disillusionment muffins,” blissfully unaware that many others also turn to baking as a productive coping mechanism. It’s reassuring to know I’m not alone.
Baking allows me to create something beautiful and satisfying in a society often riddled with negativity. The rhythmic motions of stirring, kneading, and baking help calm my anxious mind, redirecting my focus from turmoil to creativity. In the midst of chaos, crafting something delicious offers a glimmer of hope.
I can’t possibly consume all that I bake, so I love sharing my creations. Friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers are often treated to my baked goods. I even bring pastries to my yoga studio! Whether it’s a funeral, a friend recovering from illness, or a family welcoming a newborn, I’m quick to head to the kitchen, flour in hand, ready to create something special.
Through baking, I find purpose in serving others. It fills me with pride to nourish those around me, and gifting cupcakes, pastries, and loaves of bread fosters a sense of community and connection that combats feelings of loneliness and despair.
My kitchen is my sanctuary. While the world outside may be chaotic, baking grants me a sense of control. The structure provided by recipes reassures me, and the familiar phrase “cream together the butter and sugar” feels like a warm embrace. I appreciate that one and a half cups of flour and exactly three ripe, mashed bananas will yield the same banana bread my grandmother made for me as a child.
When I bake, I’m immersed in cherished sensory memories from the happiest times of my life. I carry on culinary traditions, connecting with the women in my family who came before me. Even though I may not have met many of them, it brings me joy to know I’m creating the same cakes, jams, and biscuits they once did. Generations later, I’m still rolling dough just like my great-grandmothers. An apple cake, believed to be from my Canadian ancestors in the 1800s, remains a family favorite, and I intend to pass this recipe along to my daughter.
Baking serves as my therapy. My hands in a mixing bowl keep me grounded, while baked goods bridge connections to my community and heritage. Recipes evoke fond memories, and the act of baking is a joyful creation. It’s a perfect outlet for channeling anxious energy and reclaiming a sense of control in an unpredictable world.
In the end, I remind myself that though life may be challenging, at least my quick breads are always tender.
For further insights on managing anxiety and exploring home insemination, check out one of our other blog posts here. If you’re looking for reliable resources on the topic, Make a Mom offers excellent information. Additionally, for pregnancy-related support, Johns Hopkins Medicine is a fantastic resource.
Summary
Baking has become a therapeutic escape for many, providing a sense of control and comfort in an often chaotic world. Through the act of creating delicious treats, we can manage stress while connecting with our heritage and our community.
Keyphrase: baking as therapy
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