How Baking Sourdough Became a Simple Way to Nurture My Mind, Body, and Family

I never thought I’d be someone who bakes sourdough bread from scratch, but here I am, and it’s one of the best things I’ve done for my mental health, my gut, and my family’s happiness.

If you’ve ever thought, “That’s way too complicated for me,” I’m here to tell you, it’s actually not as hard as people make it out to be. Once you get into a rhythm, it’s surprisingly simple, satisfying, and incredibly rewarding.

Plus, there’s nothing like pulling a fresh, golden-brown loaf out of the oven, slicing it open, and slathering it with Kerrygold butter while it’s still warm. It’s the kind of simple joy that’s hard to explain, but once you’ve experienced it, you’ll never go back.

Baking for Mental Health There’s something so grounding about baking bread. The process forces you to slow down, be present, and focus on something simple but meaningful. It’s not instant gratification, and maybe that’s the point.

From feeding the sourdough starter to folding the dough, every step requires patience. And that’s where the mental health magic happens. It’s a form of mindfulness in action. When my mind feels cluttered or overwhelmed, spending time with my hands in the dough quiets that mental noise.

There’s also a deep sense of accomplishment when you’re done. Watching a bubbly, active starter transform into a crusty, golden loaf feels like creating something from nothing. It’s the kind of small "win" that makes a big impact on your day.

Good for the Gut, Too I’m not a nutritionist, but I’ve done enough reading to know that sourdough bread is easier on the gut than most store bought breads. The fermentation process breaks down gluten and makes nutrients more bioavailable, which means it’s easier for your body to digest.

For me, that’s been a big deal. I’ve noticed less bloating and discomfort after eating sourdough compared to store bought breads. If you’ve ever had a "heavy" feeling after eating a regular sandwich, you’ll know what I’m talking about. Sourdough feels different. It’s hearty but light, filling but not "weighing you down."

If gut health is something you’re working on, it’s worth giving sourdough a try. Plus, it’s nice knowing that what I’m feeding my family is something fresh, homemade, and full of living, healthy bacteria that’s actually good for their digestion.

The "Hard Part" Isn’t That Hard Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: sourdough’s reputation for being complicated. I’ll admit, I’d heard all the horror stories about "maintaining a starter" or "perfecting the fold technique," but honestly? It’s not that bad.

Here’s the reality:

1. The Starter: Yes, you have to "feed" your starter, but it’s literally just adding flour and water. It takes 2 minutes. Once it’s active, you’re good to go.
2. The Folding: Folding the dough sounds technical, but it’s basically just picking it up and tucking it over itself. Super simple.
3. The Time: Sourdough does take time, but it’s mostly "hands-off" time. While the dough is resting, you’re free to do other things.

It’s really just about building a rhythm. Once you’ve done it a couple of times, it’s like riding a bike. Plus, even "imperfect" loaves are still delicious. I’ve had loaves that looked funky but tasted amazing.

If you’re intimidated by the process, I’m here to say: you can absolutely do this. Start with one loaf, follow a simple recipe, and go from there. Your future self will thank you.

How My Family Fell in Love with It There’s nothing quite like fresh bread straight from the oven. The moment I slice into a loaf and the steam rises up, my family comes running. They’ve learned to "time it" so they’re nearby as soon as the bread is done.

We’ve made a ritual out of it. Fresh bread. Thick slices. Generous slabs of Kerrygold butter. It’s one of those "little big moments" where everyone’s gathered around, quiet except for the sound of crunching crusts. No devices. No distractions. Just good food and good company.

There’s something primal and nostalgic about it, like going back to a slower, simpler time. It’s a feeling I’m trying to create more of in my home, and sourdough bread has become part of that rhythm.

How to Get Started If you’re ready to give it a try, here’s a simple path forward. You don’t need fancy tools or complicated instructions to start. Here’s what worked for me:

1. Get a Starter: You can make one from scratch or get one from a friend (it’s like a sourdough "hand-me-down").
2. Find a Simple Recipe: Look for a beginner-friendly recipe that’s not too fussy.
3. Start Baking: Your first loaf might be wonky, but I promise, it will still taste good.
4. Stick with It: Each loaf gets better. Your confidence grows. Before you know it, you’ll be "that person" who always has fresh bread on the counter.

Final Thoughts Baking sourdough isn’t just about bread. It’s about slowing down, being present, and creating something with your hands. It’s a moment of mindfulness that’s good for your mind, your gut, and your family.

If you’ve been curious but hesitant, I hope this post gives you the nudge you need. It’s simpler than you think. It’s more rewarding than you can imagine. And once you’ve tasted your own fresh bread, you’ll wonder why you ever waited so long to try.

Plus, nothing beats the smell of fresh bread filling the house. Add some Kerrygold butter on top, and suddenly, everything feels right with the world.