How I turned my Baking into a Form of Self - Care

In the whirlwind of daily life, especially when work gets busy, it’s easy to lose track of moments that bring calm and clarity.

For me, baking has become more than a profession - it's a way to find peace, to slow down and to reconnect with myself. While my days can be filled with the buzz of ovens and constant tasks, I've learned that baking can also be a form of self-care, a therapeutic ritual that nurtures both my body and mind.

Finding Solace in the Process

There's something deeply meditative about the rhythm of baking. The gentle kneeding of dough, the whisking of egg whites to form stiff peaks, the patience as bread rises or a cake bakes. In those moments, I find solace. The focus that baking requires pulls me away from distractions of daily life and roots me in the present.

Returning to Work after having my children was one of the hardest transitions of my life

I remember the overwhelming feeling of guilt - leaving them in someone else's care, constantly wondering if I was making the right decision. In those moments of doubt, the one thing that helped centre me was baking. I would pour myself into baking, and for those few hours, I could let go of the anxieties swirling in my mind. The process became a way to ground myself when I felt pulled in too many directions.

A Sensory Experience

The smells, the textures, the transformation of ingredients - they all have a way of drawing you in and making you feel connected to something real and grounding. For me, it's often the scent of citrus and spices when I make mincemeat for Christmas or the smell of buttery pastry fresh out of the oven. These sensory moments take me out of my head and into the now, where everything is simpler, quieter, and more beautiful.

Baking during difficult times became more than just a profession - it became a lifeline.

When my Long Term Relationship Fell Apart

I felt as if my entire world was crumbling around me. It was a time of deep pain and uncertainty, and yet, I found myself gravitating towards the kitchen. There was something comforting about the predictability of a recipe, the way ingredients would come together to create something whole, even when I didn't feel whole myself. In those moments, baking wasn't just about creating something for others - it was about healing myself.

Creating Time for Mindfulness

In the rush of work, I can sometimes forget what it feels like to bake mindfully . There's always another order to fill or a cake to perfect, but when I set aside time to bake for myself, something shifts. I let go of the need for perfection and focus on the joy of creating. That's when I feel the therapeutic benefits of baking most strongly - when it's not about producing for others, but simply enjoying the act of baking itself..

Sometimes, I'll put on a playlist, brew a cup of coffee or tea, and take my time with a recipe, savouring every step. It's in those peaceful moments that I reconnect with why I fell in love with baking in the first place. It's not just about the end product - it's about the journey of getting there .

The Emotional Healing of Baking

Baking has also been a way of helping me process emotions. During the more difficult times, especially when my back injury flared up last year, baking became a source of comfort. The repetitive motions, the focus on ingredients, and the satisfaction of creating something from scratch gave me the sense of when everything else felt overwhelming. It was a gentle reminder that even in pain, I could still create something beautiful. The emotional toll of juggling work and motherhood, and the breakdown of my relationship was heavy, but baking became my space to breathe. I didn't always realise it in the moment, but looking back, I can see that baking saved me in so many ways. It was my therapy, my escape, and my way to cope when everything else felt like too much.

Sharing the Love

And then, there is the joy of sharing what I have made. Baking for others - whether family, friends, or customers - feels like an act of love. It's my way of showing I care. But what I have also come to realise is that I need to bake for myself, too. Even if no one else gets to taste it, the process alone is enough to lift my spirits and remind me to care for myself in the same way.

A Way to Reconnect

In the end, baking is my way of reconnecting - not just with the ingredients or the recipes , but with myself. It's a reminder to slow down, be present, and take care of my mental wellbeing. So next time you feel yourself stressed or overwhelmed, consider stepping into the kitchen, not to create something perfect, but to experience the joy and mindfulness that baking can bring.