SmileSpotlight: Ellen Packer

The influence of our hobbies on our happiness is significant. Everyone’s hobbies are slightly different and we use them to escape the stresses of everyday life. Meet Ellen. As a 21-year-old Leeds University student, who escapes the city back home in the beautiful Northumberland countryside, Ellen tells us how baking brings her happiness.

What does happiness mean to you?

Being able to enjoy myself and feel completely at ease about everything.

Describe your ultimate happy place/situation. Being a farmer’s daughter, I love anything outdoors! Going for long walks up a hill or along the beach just makes me so relaxed and happy. Being accompanied by friends, family or a dog makes it even more enjoyable. Plenty of snacks along the way also helps a lot!

What is it about baking you enjoy?

I love the whole process. Going from mixing to decorating the finished product. But if I really had to choose, it would be revealing it to people and seeing their reactions which is always exciting. I’m a bit of a people pleaser so I always take loads of time to make it look the part.

Why do you think baking brings you happiness? Going from some flour and butter to a huge cake is so satisfying. I love the precision of measuring the ingredients out, baking times and intricate decorations, for it all to result in something that people will enjoy.

What do you wish you could do more of?

I wish I could spend more time doing the hobbies I did when I was younger. I used to spend so many hours doing dance or hockey but finding the time to do it nowadays is so challenging even though I miss it so much!

Describe one of your favourite memories. My favourite memory is spending Saturday mornings with my Dad in our garden. We would spend hours collecting pine cones, telling stories and catching up.