Are there emotional benefits you derive from cooking? Most people feel that cooking is just a necessary physical activity that must be done at home to ensure that the family always has food to eat. But is cooking all about that?
When asked about the emotional benefits of cooking, one participant in a study states that cooking eliminates harmful psychological effects caused by constantly being fixed on television and mobile phones. This is just one of the many emotional benefits you can derive from cooking.
In this article, we will look at the emotional benefits of cooking and how you can actualize them.
5 Emotional Benefits of Cooking
Below are five significant emotional benefits of cooking that you will love to experience.
1. Improves emotional well-being
One of the significant health benefits of cooking is that it improves your emotional well-being. Cooking allows you to explore your creative ability, making you feel like you are flourishing—a psychological term for personal growth.
The Wall Street Journal reports therapists now recommend cooking classes for patients with depression and anxiety, including eating disorders, ADHD, and addiction.
Some counselors who spoke to the WSJ stated that cooking helps relieve stress, curb negative thinking and build self-esteem by focusing on a recipe.
2. Cooking is therapeutic
Another significant emotional benefit of cooking is that it is believed by psychologists to be therapeutic. Cooking is said to fit into a type of therapy called “behavioral activation.”
The Wall Street Journal reported that behavioral activation helps to alleviate depression by increasing goal-oriented behavior. And cooking helps you to focus, giving you a sense of control and power you might not have outside the kitchen.
3. Cooking connects you to others
Cooking for yourself is fantastic, but cooking with and for others helps you to connect with them on common ground. Cooking for others connects you to your family and community and makes you feel valuable because you provide a service.
A study review published in the journal Public Health Nutrition stated many pieces of evidence that suggest that community cooking programs enhance socialization and connectedness and remove feelings of isolation.
A more recent study published in March 2022 showed the impacts of a seven-week cooking program run by adult participants.
At the end of the study, the participants exhibited increased cooking confidence, and improved general and mental health, even though there was a significant change in their nutrient intake.
4. Cooking serves as meditation
When cooking, your mind follows the recipe and ensures everything goes well. Preparing, meal planning, measuring, stirring, adjusting, and monitoring the recipe take your mind off things; this serves as a meditative process but with a tastier output.
According to The Guardian, cooking is essential for self-care— mindful, creative, and calming, and prevents your mind from dwelling on things and producing cookies or pot roasts at the end of the process.
5. Increased happiness
Another fascinating emotional benefit of cooking is that it can increase your happiness.
Cooking can be a creative outlet that provides a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. When you successfully prepare a dish, it can boost your self-esteem and make you feel proud of yourself.
6. Empowers you
Gaining the ability to prepare your own meals fosters a sense of empowerment and independence.
When individuals learn to cook, they acquire a valuable life skill that enables them to take control of their nutrition and dietary preferences.
This self-sufficiency can boost confidence and provide a sense of autonomy, as one is no longer reliant on others for meal preparation.
In addition, being able to cook allows for more personalized and healthier food choices, further enhancing one’s sense of control over their well-being.
7. Evokes nostalgia
Preparing family recipes or traditional dishes can evoke positive memories and a sense of connection to one’s heritage and loved ones.
Cooking familiar dishes can transport individuals back to cherished moments with family and friends, reinforcing emotional bonds and cultural identity.
This nostalgic experience can provide comfort and a feeling of continuity, especially during times of change or stress.
Ways You Can Actualize The Emotional Benefits of Cooking
Here are the three significant ways to actualize the emotional benefits of cooking.
- Start Simple
If you have never cooked before and want to start, start with something simple. Coking something simple that turns out to be edible can boost your self-esteem and self-worth. It can be noodles, pancakes, or cookies – anything simple.
- Cook Mindfully
Cooking mindfully is highly meditative and makes the whole process therapeutic. Cooking mindfully means fixing your mind on cooking so everything will be perfect and seamless.
- Make It Social
One of the significant ways to reap social connectedness is to invite people around when cooking. You can either cook with people or for people. It can be family, friends, or a community program. Also, cooking alone boost your self-confidence.
Conclusion
The emotional benefits of cooking are immense and can significantly influence your psychological and physical well-being. So if you rent cooking, get a recipe book and start now. Remember to start with something simple!
