There was something of a baking renaissance earlier this year as staying in became the new going out.  This year has become the year of the store cupboard.  Apparently, Banana Bread was a firm favourite (flour stocks permitting) and we were reminded that baking wasn’t just for celebrities or television entertainment.  Now that temperatures are dropping and we’re all clambering back inside, what are you going to bake this season?  How about a festive cake?

The Great British Bake Off launched in 2010 and got people talking about Mary Berry’s Victoria sponges or Paul Hollywood’s buns.  I enjoyed Paul’s eight stranded plaited loaf demonstrations but never understood why bakers were made to sit on the floor to watch their scones rise.  Cards on the table, I prefer to learn and practise the more technical skills of baking rather than watch other people split the cream in the name of entertainment.

I enjoy baking although this piece isn’t just about sponges and scones, it’s about the activities and the knowledge which excites us when we’re not working.  It’s about what we do to relax in our free time.  For those facing unemployment or reduced working hours, maybe it’s time to put leisure back in the spotlight.  It seems that many people I know turn to outdoor pursuits to stay positive – running, cycling or walking to unwind or clear their heads.  I acknowledge the great health benefits that come with physical exercise in the fresh air, although I generally package them up with the sense of wellbeing I get from the garden.

I’m writing this looking out at the last of this season’s green chillies in their obstinate splendour.  Whatever the weather, it seems that they are not going to ripen, despite the watery sunshine giving some encouragement today.  And then there’s the single lockdown tomato plant – a triumph which proved worthy of the investment in different sized pots, canes and compost.  This week’s final harvest secured an ongoing place on our terrace for Gardener’s Delight.  Maybe next year, we’ll even buy two.

It’s almost time to tidy up the pots, seek out the snails and slugs (before they lay even more eggs) and pack up the parasol before the leaves come down, although these essentials will need to wait until it’s dry.  The rain has taken a hold and no apology, I’m a fair-weather gardener.  Ours is a small garden and once we’ve tidied up the debris of Autumn, I’m often left kicking my horticultural heels until February although that doesn’t mean I won’t be out there with a cuppa some time in Winter.

Where is your favourite place?  How do you relax?  Whether you’re up for competitive sports, painting or photography, hobbies can create a fabulously positive diversion to the anxieties and disappointments of our busy lives.  Maybe 2020 is your year for baking the festive cake?  If so, it’s time to get started.  I recommend choosing the best ingredients that you can afford and don’t try to rush.  Remember to soak the fruits the night before and if you don’t like fruit cake but love baking, why not raffle it for your favourite charity?

Whether you share my enjoyment of baking or prefer the satisfaction of growing herbs on the windowsill, this could be the time to challenge yourself a little.  It’s unlikely that I’ll ever create a thriving business out of the garden or my baking, although who doesn’t enjoy a freshly baked scone flavoured with homegrown herbs and cheese?  What’s your recipe for success?

This is not the first time that I’ve encouraged you to think about your whole self.  Just last week I was urging you to invest in yourself although I recognise that so many of the people reading this (like me) prefer to encourage others.  Whatever your motivation, it’s a tough job market right now and it’s essential to balance the needs of work with your personal needs, including relaxation.  This is all part of your story, the one which combines your professional skills with your spare time activities and interests.  A story which gets you noticed for all the right reasons.  I’d love to hear all about it, why not get in touch – let’s chat.