Experts Say Cooking and Baking Can Alleviate Stress
We’re all in this together…
With the world currently facing a global pandemic, it’s safe to say that everyone is struggling to combat stress and anxiety. After all, everything is so uncertain, with most students in the United States engaging in school from home, not being able to go outside, and most importantly, not being able to see friends and family members. That is why everyone could use an activity that provides some trace of normalcy during this difficult time. For years, scientific research has said that cooking and baking can alleviate stress, and now we’ll need it more than ever.
Quarantine may sound appealing to get away from outside factors that may be stressing you out, but after awhile, it can get quite boring. So, while in this state of uncertainty, it is important to find ways to self-occupy, and cooking and baking are some of the best ways to accomplish this.
According to a writer of food magazine Delish, “When people feel anxious, they look for something to do, a distraction of sorts, and [cooking and baking] provides just that for many people” (Delish Magazine).
Studies also say that it is the whole step-by-step process of cooking and baking that makes people feel so relaxed, as humans naturally crave routine. There’s just something about taking some time to yourself to measure ingredients, mix them around, and transform them into your own creation. It just makes you feel at ease.
As an author from Smithsonian Magazine puts it, “[…] people who frequently take a turn at small, creative projects report feeling more relaxed and happier in their everyday lives” (Smithsonian Magazine). So, it is clear that taking some time out of the day to create your own culinary project is a really rewarding thing to do.
Students at LHS are cooking up a storm while at home during this state-ordered quarantine, and many of them say it really is relaxing! Sophomore Blake Klein said, “I have been slowly learning how to cook. I made spaghetti and meatballs over the weekend, and I think it could become a hobby if this continues for awhile.”
Even making brownies or cake from a box can do the job. It’s really all about finding something to do that can be used for enjoyment, but also momentarily take your mind off of the stressful topics of today. When asked if she has been doing any stress-relieving activities, sophomore Julia Vazquez added, “I’ve found myself so bored and worried these days and I always loved baking, so I’ve really been diving deeper into it.”
Yes, it’s important to know what is happening in the world, but being able to take a step back and focus on something less daunting is the only way to maintain sanity as we navigate this disconcerting time.
