Of course we all know about the pleasure of eating cakebut, as it turns out,we haven't been paying enough attention to the benefits of baking up our own creations.

Measuring, sieving, mixing and kneading... apparently all the efforts of preparationhave a much more profound effect on our mental health than simply popping out to the bakery.

(via Fox Searchlight)

Speaking to a series of psychologists, theHuffington Posthas suggested that baking can be just as good for our psychological well-being as meditation is for yogis.

And the reason behind the claim is simple.When we meditate, we allow ourselves a quiet moment ofreflection and focus which leads to stress relief; a process that can also be associated withbaking.

As associate professor of psychological and brain sciences at Boston UniversityDonna Pincus explains:

"Baking actually requires alot of full attention. You have to measure, focus physically on rolling out dough.

If youre focusing on smell and taste, on being present with what youre creating, that act of mindfulness in that present moment can also have a result in stress reduction."

So much so, in fact, that there's even a whole branch of healing dedicated to culinary art therapy, the effects of which can be significant. As theHuffington Postreminds us,John Whaite, the winner of the 2012 edition of The Great British Baking Show,claims that baking helped him overcome depression.

But it's not just the idea of focusing on the here and now that makes the activity so therapeutic. In hard times, food can serve as a form of communication and supportwhile the idea of making something yourself gives you a sense of achievement. As Pincus explains:

"Baking for others can increase a feeling of wellbeing, contribute to stress relief and make you feel like youve done something good for the world, which perhaps increases your meaning in life and connection with other people."

As creating a tangible productyou know will give others pleasure is always going to be a positive experience, baking can also be a way of practicingaltruism. As culinary art therapist Susan Whitbourne notes:

"I think offering food to somebody else is just as much a comfort to the person receiving as the person whos serving and offering."

So there you have it, now you don't have to wait until somebody's birthday for an excuse to whip upthat chocolate cake. Happy baking!

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Apparently Baking Cakes Is As Good For Your Mental Health As Meditation - Konbini US