Stress Baking in a Pandemic: 21 Healthy Plant-Based Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What to bake when you are stressed? ›

I've employed stress baking as a coping mechanism for so long that I took it for granted knowledge of the art was universal, if not universally applied. Many people bake out of necessity, or for the joy of discovery, or as a means of artistic expression.

Noted at the top of each recipe: Total time. That's an important detail not only for your schedule but for your stress levels, according to Beurkens. "Baking has a set start and end point that helps people feel a sense of control and purpose, both of which help stave off feelings of overwhelm and depression," she says.

Baking at home gives you control over the ingredients in your baked goods, and can be much healthier than choosing store-bought breads, cakes, and cookies. Here are some simple changes you can make to improve your diet and your health.

Some popular options include ice cream, chocolate cake, cheesecake, crème brûlée, tiramisu, and fruit-based desserts like pie or crumble.

“When you focus your attention on an activity like baking, you're more present in the moment and less focused on stressors of the past or future.” In addition to stress relief, there are other reasons baking can be good for our mental health.

Baking forces you to focus on step-by-step instructions, which can help take your mind off the thoughts that are causing you stress. Many people with anxiety feel that they lack control over the world around them, and baking helps them regain a sense of power.

Depression Cooking is a zine of easy recipes designed to make mealtime a little easier, in the no-nonsense sense of the word, for depressed humans like me. It demonstrates one of the many lessons that I've learned during COVID: that we can care for one another without being physically present.

Baking is a great activity for stress relief. Not only can you take out some of your frustrations on your dough, but baking can also reduce stress hormones such as cortisol.

In addition to releasing endorphins, baking can also increase your levels of serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin—all positive brain chemicals directly associated with overall mood and happiness. And maintaining adequate levels of these chemicals can help combat mood disorders like depression in the long run.

Why does stress baking help with stress? ›

According to experts, baking is a healthy way to reduce stress and anxiety. It heightens awareness of the body, improving mood and relieving it. Furthermore, you can be present at the moment while cooking because you're focused on something else other than your worries or concerns.

🍴Prepare Ingredients in Advance

Prepping ingredients ahead of time can significantly reduce cooking stress. Chop vegetables, measure out spices, and marinate proteins before you start cooking. This way, you can focus on the cooking process rather than frantic prep work.

Wholegrain & Wholemeal Breads

Since wholemeal bread is baked with whole or nearly whole wheat grains, it contains much more flavour and nutrition. Wholemeal is also a great source of carbohydrates, protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals, as well as being low in fat.

A small dessert consumed daily can be part of a healthy diet. The key is to control portion sizes. You'll also want to pay attention to other foods you eat that contain added sugars, such as cereals, protein bars, juices, bottled teas and coffees, so you don't overdo your daily sugar intake.

Baking is a mindful activity

Baking requires attention, which helps you to focus your thoughts on something positive, rather than the mess of thoughts flying around your head. It can help to calm your nerves and ease anxiety. (Keep reading for more on how mindfulness reduces stress.)

Instead of snacking when you're not hungry, distract yourself and substitute a healthier behavior. Take a walk, watch a movie, play with your cat, listen to music, read, surf the internet or call a friend. Take away temptation. Don't keep hard-to-resist comfort foods in your home.