In stressful situations, eating, crying, or maybe even spending money are all activities people resort to. Coping mechanisms are universal; whether conscious or subconscious, some activities or areas bring a distressed mind to ease. Stress baking was a coping mechanism that arose in 2020 amidst the pandemic, as people were trapped at home. Although simple, many people in 2020 found comfort in baking and still do during the chilly fall season.
From blogs written in 2020, it’s clear stress-baking wasn’t a small phenomenon but had psychology behind it. For one, it’s a distraction that involves all five senses. Kneading or mixing the batter involves touch; the mix of ingredients creates different smells; the whir of the mixer and ambient noise create a relaxing sound; as the treat bakes, its essence spreads as a treat for the nose; lastly, when all is done, there is a delicious finished product to taste and enjoy (Boston Magazine). Considering the physical nature of kneading bread, as sourdough bread was one of the common items baked during the pandemic, there is also the therapeutic aspect of releasing anger on something and getting a better product (CNET). Throughout the process, the body is engaged and ultimately rewarded by its hard work.
Regardless of context, adapting to change is one of life’s biggest stressors. Taking context into consideration, the pandemic was a time of huge change with little chance to adapt. Losing control of the situation and one’s life easily leads to low self-esteem and contributes to anxiety and depression (Cleveland Clinic). Knowing the context behind stress and control, it makes perfect sense that baking emerged as a prominent way to cope during the pandemic. The extra effort put into baking is nothing compared to the feeling of relief, joy, and satisfaction with a successful baked good.
Baking is also easily refined at home with little to no experience. Videos and recipes are often detailed enough for a beginner to branch out and grow into an intermediate baker. Connecting back to the control factor, after advancing from a strict recipe-follower, experimenting and adjusting different factors also creates an enjoyable experience. Not to mention baking often results in treats that are shared. While sharing was generally frowned upon, baking also allowed for sharing the many different recipes tried (Boston Magazine).
Stress-baking also connects to another common coping mechanism: stress-eating. After the relaxation of baking, the finished product can be eaten as another coping mechanism. Especially as it can be done in the comfort of one’s home, it can be seen as relieving, as it gives the baker a sense of control over the entire process and finished product. Seeing its roots in the pandemic, where control was out of the picture and isolation was a constant nightmare, a way to be alone and still feel present in one’s own life is a welcome escape (CNET).
Now, stress-baking is still prevalent. Lillian Li (11) attests to this as she recounts, “Whenever life starts to feel overwhelming, I turn to baking as my escape. There’s something calming about watching simple ingredients transform into something warm and sweet. The best part is sharing those treats with my family and friends; seeing their smiles makes every moment in the kitchen worth it. In those quiet moments, my kitchen becomes a peaceful space where I can slow down, breathe, and find a sense of calm amid the chaos of everyday life.”
Naomi Cheng (11) also vouches for stress-baking as an effective method of stress relief as she reaffirms the claim of many pandemic-era blogs, sharing, “I like baking for a handful of reasons. Number one, I have a huge sweet tooth; number two, the methodical process is calming for me; number three, when the product ends up successful, people enjoy the food I share; lastly, I feel like I have actual control of my life.”
In the present, baking is an activity often found at Fall-time sleepovers, which is scientifically proven to put bakers in a good mood. Cinnamon and vanilla, two of the most common ingredients and prominent scents in the Autumn, are proven to improve cognitive function and boost happiness respectively. The physical part of baking allows for the release of endorphins, creating the same stress-relief as exercising. Not to mention, carbs actually encourage serotonin release in the brain, which explains stress-eating as well (Good Housekeeping).
