#fancyacookie

"Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.” - Dalai Lama XIV

Happiness is found with yourself, and relationships with others, according to the UK publication, The Independent, citing The Harvard Study of Adult Development. Listing 9 different characteristics that most happy people have, the study shows that relationships, time, and activities are the main keys to happiness. 

Forever in the pursuit of happiness, we are pleased to report that Fancy a Cookie (FAC) can offer you assistance with your happiness goals. People who are happiest:

1) Have relationships with others. FAC take: Bake cookies with family and friends!

2) Value time more than money. FAC take: Baking cookies is time well spent with others. 

3) Have money to pay the bills. FAC take: FAC is an economical activity that many can enjoy!

4) Participate in reflection of the good, simple things (ie. smell the roses). FAC take: or at least stop and smell the cookies!

5) Engage in acts of kindness, helping others. FAC take: Give your cookies to friends, neighbors, family - someone who just needs a cookie today! 

6) Exercise. FAC take: Run around your kitchen while the cookies are baking.

7) Spend time and money on experiences rather than things. FAC take: We are an experience in a box or at a cookie studio party! 

8) Meditate, spend time in the moment. FAC take: You are SO in the moment while you are decorating your cookies. Follow a pattern or express your creativity - cookies are an edible canvas!

Baking For Others Has Invaluable Health Benefits

It is easy for me to tell my high school daughter that her world right now seems full of drama and stress, but that when her world gets bigger - i.e. right after HS graduation - she will look back on the past few years with the realization that we can only recognize once we venture outside the “bubble”. Realizing this method might be construed as dismissive, I decided to redirect her energy toward efforts to helping other people. So, we went to the kitchen. 

Psychologists are touting the effects of baking to help others. Baking, say leading psychologists, is a form of creativity, self-expression, and communication. Because when we spend time baking alone, we become more mindful of our thoughts and feelings. When we spend time baking with others, we increase communication, closeness, and strengthen emotional bonds. These activities can lead to increased happiness, and reduced stress. 

Whether we need some alone time, or time with family or friends, turn on the oven and get out the mixing bowls - some happiness therapy is well within reach - gather, decorate, and enjoy! www.fancyacookie.com 

Get Creative and Get Talking!

The benefits of baking are evident to most who enjoy relaxing in the kitchen and creating something yummy to share with family and friends. One benefit, however, that may not be apparent is the communication and bonding aspect that happens when people and create together.

 As most parents know, getting kids and teens to open up and communicate is challenging. If you are looking for more than the usual “fine”, and “good” responses when talking with our kids, Psychology Today recommends doing something creative with your children. According to the article about communicating with kids and teens, creative activities help to establish a relaxed atmosphere, in which young people are more comfortable opening up. So, gather the kids, get out the paints, clay, musical instruments, or baking tools, and let’s talk!