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It's Official, Baking Rules Because It Helps Relieve Stress

It's Official, Baking Rules For This One Brilliant Reason

Most of us who bake aren't necessarily sugar enthusiasts (although that helps). A big reason for why baking has become so popular in recent years is because it helps to de-stress us.

A survey found that one in three of those asked say they feel more stressed than they did five years ago, with 80% taking up baking to help alleviate the pressure.

The research was commissioned ahead of the Great Comic Relief Bake Off which starts on BBC1 tomorrow and found winter is the season when people are most likely to feel the need to knead away their worries.

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It found those living in Scotland and the North East said they have seen their anxiety levels rise by up to 57% in the past five years to meet those of the frazzled South East.

In both locations, there was also a 60% rise in baking.

Money tops the reasons why people feel most stressed, with more than a quarter (27%) saying they were feeling the pinch, while job pressure came in second (16%) and health worries third (15%).

Winner of the Great British Bake Off 2012 and ambassador for baking decoration specialist, Cake Angels, which conducted the study, John Whaite said he had found making cakes to be an effective stress reliever.

"It's great that people are finding an escape in the form of baking," he said. "I found baking had a calming influence on me without knowing that was what it was doing.

"It's nice to know that something as simple as making a cake has such a positive effect on our emotions, whilst adding finishing touches such as sprinkles to your creation can give you a sense of pride and enhance how you're feeling."

The survey was carried out by Opinion Matters and saw 1,951 adults questioned.

Why Baking Is Amazing For You
Taking It Slow(01 of07)
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Baking demands exact measurements and ingredients, and rushing through it will only result in a less delicious product. Doing things at a slower pace can help you feel calmer — especially during this time of year when you feel like you're constantly rushing. (credit:Tetra Images via Getty Images)
Using Your Hands(02 of07)
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So many of us are tied to screens for our jobs and leisure time that we forget how satisfying it can be to use our hands. According to psychologists Carrie and Alton Barron, half of our brain's cortex is mapped to the hands, so it's just as important to use them to create things to keep our brains healthy. (credit:PeopleImages.com via Getty Images)
Teamwork(03 of07)
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While it's lovely to have some quiet time to bake, if you have a friend or family member who wants to take part in the activity, all the better. Working with someone to achieve a goal — even something as small as a tin of muffins — can boost your mood instantly. (credit:SSC via Getty Images)
Take In The Smells(04 of07)
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You've heard of aromatherapy, but have you ever thought about it as applied to the smell of baked goods? Whether it's because freshly a baked cake reminds you of happy childhood memories or the scent of vanilla is a throwback to your junior high perfume, these kinds of scents tend to boost positivity. Plus, according to Calm Clinic, if you start associating smells with relaxing, you can call them up anytime in the future to help you breathe a little easier. (credit:Jose Luis Pelaez Inc via Getty Images)
Make It A Habit(05 of07)
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Having a routine is something that is cited as a key tool to success for many CEOs, so why wouldn't that be the case for mental health too? Get into a regular baking (or cooking) routine can give a sense of discipline to your week. (credit:mizar_21984 via Getty Images)
Using Your Creativity(06 of07)
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Following a recipe is fantastic, but one of the best parts of baking comes with the decorating portion of the project where your creativity comes into play. The opportunity to express yourself (yes, even if it's just with icing) can improve your mood, as well as your ability to communicate. (credit:Sharon Vos-Arnold via Getty Images)
Giving To Others(07 of07)
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It's something you hear a lot this time of year, but you should keep it in mind for all 12 months: giving to others will make you feel even better than receiving, making you feel more confident and like you belong, according to Mental Health Foundation. And really, who keeps all their baked goods for themselves? (credit:DragonImages via Getty Images)