Bread-baking as Therapy

Reader Contribution by Carol Winn
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My 30-year-old daughter was once a very wise 4-year-old. In her wisdom, she gave me an excellent

diagnosis: She told me that I was stretched out. Stressed out is what she meant, but yes, I was stretched out. Learning to manage stress is a gift. I haven’t quite opened mine yet, but I continue to unwrap it each and every day.

One way that I work through problems is by baking bread. It is my therapy, and it works for me. Getting lost in the recipe and wondering how you might make some changes to make it better is always good for the mind. Working through some aggression by mixing and kneading the dough is so therapeutic, and punching down dough after the first rise speaks for itself. And yes, the wonderful aroma of fresh-baked bread is healing to the soul. It is also healing to the souls of anyone who is lucky enough to be home when the bread exits the oven.

My neighbors always know when I have been a little stretched out. They usually receive a delivery of something from the oven. It is always good to keep your neighbors happy. Today, it was a few apple bars to enjoy with an afternoon cup of tea. My stress relief also adds a little to their stress relief.

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