What’s the best time killer and concurrently provides one with a magnificent result? Something that brings a smile to everyone’s faces? And instantaneously makes their tummies grumble as the heavenly aroma envelops the entire place? Of course, it’s none other than the art of baking! 

Taking a start is often full of nervousness, and experimenting with new recipes is undoubtedly slightly terrifying. But with little practice and tons of enthusiasm one can easily nail it! The satisfying process of combining the ingredients and creating a smashing mess is a thrill in itself – one which increases with every passing minute. Visualizing the final result while watching the mixture rise always gives you Goosebumps and you can feel the adrenaline rush through your veins. 

Moving on, as the timer sets off, with butterflies in your stomach, you rush towards the oven. The delight of bringing out the goodies, decorating it with attractive fondant and crunchy nuts or merely sprinkling flaky sea salt on it, is certainly an unparalleled experience. The sight of baked goodies sure does result in the stomach doing euphoric cartwheels. Additionally, every item that you bake gives you a sense of accomplishment. Unquestionably, this is the perfect activity to get your endorphins going!

 Psychologists have also associated creative expression with well-being. When you dive into this intriguing experience you unleash your creative juices. They gush freely as you select your favorite bottles of food color and decide which fondant shall turn your baking into a sheer showstopper! The kitchen provides you with unlimited opportunities to express yourself, so make sure to reach your full potential. Creativity truly is to take risks, explore, innovate, mess up and most importantly cherish every moment! 

 Interestingly, baking also has an utterly calming effect. While you crack the eggs open, measure the flour, weigh the butter and whisk the batter, your mind wanders off to a different world. Daydreaming takes over, freeing you from your regular worries while you concentrate on the task at hand. Coming to the best part, there is this unmatched satisfaction you feel as faces around you light up with glee! The seal of approval from your friends makes sharing your creations a worthwhile experience.

To make the most out of baking you should always go for healthier options. It’s pivotal to keep in mind that most of these items have no essential nutritional values and are just bountiful calories. Nevertheless, you could replace a regular chocolate chip cookie with a peanut butter oat cookie. Some of the healthier and scrumptious alternatives you can try out are: Strawberry oat muffins, nut butter granola bars, gluten-free carrot cake, and cinnamon date buns. That being said, once in a while, it’s good to treat yourself with a crispy-edged cookie oozing with a chocolate splash! 

From preheating the oven to taking a morsel of the tempting delicacy – the complete baking process is wholesome and immensely gratifying! Be it baking a cake – the finest mood booster- or a loaf of moist banana bread – the perfect partner for tea – this charming pursuit guarantees to provide one a spark of joy. So what are you waiting for? Let’s keep those inundating deadlines aside and battle that feeling of unproductivity. It’s time to have your fists entombed in the dough and splashes of batter decorating your apron. So come on get your hands on the ingredients that strike you fancy, search for the perfect flavoring, and get down to business! 

Writer: Amal Hanif