As the most stressful time of the year for Northport High School students is quickly approaching, we are all looking for ways to reduce stress. From taking AP and IB Exams to studying for finals, it is obvious that we are all under more pressure than usual.
During this chaotic time in the school year, it is important to look for creative outlets that can help you to feel better and less worried about everything. While so much is going on around you, it is important to look out for your mental health and do things for yourself that help you to stay in control and be more present and calm.
While there are many different ways to diminish feelings of anxiety, engaging in the baking process is one that can certainly help. By deciding to take a few hours out of your week to bake something, you can reduce some of the stress and pressure that comes along with exam season. Because of the creativity that baking requires, it makes it an excellent way to blow off some steam after mentally challenging activities.
Baking is a task that requires a lot of attention, which makes it perfect for stress relief. By focusing intently on one specific task, such as baking, you are able to forget about the stressors in your life for a little while and simply begin to relax. It can also help you to get rid of negative thoughts and doubts as you begin to work on a new and fun task.
The relief of stress through baking has also been shown to contribute to a better mood overall. A recent study by the University of Toronto found that people who participated in baking were more patient, more creative, and less stressed than those who did not bake.
This evidence alone proves that baking can be extremely beneficial to those under pressure or stress at school. By baking, people are able to temporarily forget about their worries and become less stressed and happier as a result.
The act of baking is therapeutic for many reasons, but one main reason is the fact that there is something tangible to show for it at the end. Some stress relieving activities like doing yoga, going for a walk, or reading are all great for mental health, but do not have the same end result.
While all of these activities have been shown to improve stress levels and mood, they do not have a physical end product like baking does. Having this end result makes baking even more beneficial because it can give someone a sense of accomplishment that they may have been lacking, helping to further improve their mood.
So what should you bake? Sometimes the hardest part about beginning a new activity like baking is not knowing exactly how to start. While this may seem intimidating, there are many videos and recipes online that can help you get going.
If you are a more advanced baker already, you can simply look for recipes online that interest you. If you are more of a beginner, looking for simple recipes online or watching videos that walk you through the process step by step is probably the best way to start.
From cakes to cookies, it is clear that no matter what you decide to bake, you will have many benefits from your new hobby. Whether it is reduced stress, better mood, or just having some fun, baking is a great way to spend some time doing something enjoyable.
So next time you find yourself stressed about upcoming tests or in need of a break from all of your studying, it may be a good idea to take to the kitchen and get creative!
