The Great ‘For Men To Talk’ Bake-Off is Great for Mental Health!
Bakers throughout the UK have set their timers for Tuesday 13 September for the return of the ‘The Great British Bake Off’. They will see a dozen bakers trying to save their victoria sponges from burning and be awarded a fancy, glass stand or dish in the final.
Last Wednesday, some of the ‘For Men To Talk’ attendees decided to bake their own cakes and show them off at the virtual meeting. There were no winners, no losers and gladly there were no soggy bottoms!
From the idea of ‘For Men To Talk’ founder, Luke Newman, we can recognise that baking can put us in a good mood and improve our mental health
Control
Since finding fame after winning the Great British Bake Off in 2012, John Whaite has been open and honest about the issue of mental health. Seven years before winning in the famous tent, he was diagnosed with manic depression and turned to baking to help. He found himself not being in control in some aspects of his life, something that he found baking helped with.
With the set start, instructions and end result, it seems that baking does bring that control that mental health needs and brings a purpose of having something delicious to eat at the end of it,
Stress
Spending time in the kitchen can help relieve stress and improve mental health. What better way than kneading and whisking to alleviate those tensions and frustrations!
Concentration
You want to take up something that stimulates and requires mental effort and concentration refers to the mental effort you direct toward whatever you’re working on or learning at the moment. Applying the mindfulness and concentration you require in baking can be hugely beneficial to mental health.
Self-confidence
Suffer from depression? Self-esteem is low? Occasionally, we all have doubts about ourselves and low self-esteem can leave us lacking in motivation. Accomplishing something in the kitchen can help us lift our mood, it shows the evidence of our hard and dedication. Cakes and cookies can be enjoyed by us and also our family and friends. Making other people happy can be very rewarding and bring back that confidence.
Friendships
Friends can increase your sense of belonging and purpose, it’s a strong support network which is so valuable when you’re feeling down. They prevent isolation and loneliness and give you a chance to offer needed companionship too. We’ve seen that so very often in the ‘For Men To Talk’ physical, virtual and walking meetings and baking with or for friends is exactly the same.