Nowadays, people are experiencing mental problems more than ever, and statistics show that 8 million people are dealing with anxiety in the UK. In the last few years, there have been discussions regarding whether cooking can be considered a therapy that helps reduce stress and anxiety, and experts approve that this method positively impacts a person’s well-being, mental health and social connectivity. Lately, there have been innovations in therapy sessions, and one of them is cooking therapy, which consists of a meeting where a person cooks with a therapist, and on the way, they open up more easily and begin to participate in open communication. Also, cooking represents a possibility to escape everyday worries because it gives something else to think about, thus occupying the mind and staying focused on the present moment.
Here are some of the benefits that cooking has.
Reduces stress and anxiety
Cooking can greatly relieve stress and be therapeutic for people with anxiety, depression and bipolar disorders. The simple act of chopping some vegetables or mixing ingredients helps reduce people’s negative thoughts while putting the focus and attention on a constructive activity. Also, people who usually cook seem more patient and creative than those who don’t. Cooking also helps relax the body and calm the mind because it requires physical tasks where concentration needs to be on the present without being distracted by other chores of life. In most cases, anxiety comes because people can’t control the situations they are exposed to; however, cooking proves that they can deal with unimaginable scenarios, which will greatly impact their confidence.
Another advantage of cooking is that it gives immense joy because it is a rewarding experience. Additionally, with home meals, anyone can prepare whatever they like and choose ingredients that improve mental health. For example, essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants are known for offering good brain functions.
Improves mental well-being
Besides the advantage of eating healthy and delicious food, cooking will improve the spirit and lift any mood because the action includes an accomplishment with your own hands. Plus, cooking gives a sense of achievement of a short-term objective, and it is very satisfying to see how simple ingredients change into something delicious and nourishing. It also creates a healthy routine that is vital to mental health issues.
Also, to create a happy feeling and to put a smile on the face of the person who enters the kitchen, the space should be decorated with beautiful and colourful ornaments to improve the quality spent there; otherwise, renovations should be considered. Because several models of cheap kitchens are on the market, the investments will not cost a fortune and will increase mental well-being, thus reducing anxiety and stress.
It generates an emotional release
Food has an emotional connection for many people, representing a main part of everyday life and a way to keep people healthy, celebrate a birthday, or enjoy a special occasion. Also, cooking engages senses that can activate memories of a favourite dish from childhood or a favourite meal from a vacation, which will boost the mood and give the day a better significance, forgetting thus any difficult moment or period.
Boosts creativity
Creativity exists besides the very known spectrum of artistic skills like painting, writing, and singing, and it can also be part of the cooking experience. And who says that cooking should be a boring activity where every step must be followed, and any ingredient shouldn’t be missed? On the contrary, in several situations, people don’t have everything they need in their house when cooking, so they must be creative to avoid going to the supermarket whenever they forget something. In the cooking process, anyone can learn through the process of failure and see that it is not such a big deal if they do not always succeed in something. Also, imagination releases stress and stimulates several brain parts, boosting problem-solving skills. Creativity in the kitchen should be achieved through experimentation in mixing ingredients and being curious always to try something new, even if it doesn’t sound so good in theory. Who knows if the next recipe doesn’t transform into something on a Michelin star’s menu?
Connects members of families
Cooking with the family promotes teamwork and a happy time which are very important for anyone’s mental health. It is a simple but powerful activity meant to bond relationships and bring families together, as every member will feel like an integral part of the journey when cooking food. Especially for someone who deals with anxiety, cooking can be the perfect time when other relatives share their love, care and support. It may sound weird, but cooking is not always about food, and in many contexts, it represents the chance to talk and share the news after having long and tiring days. Doing regularly promotes better health which can lead to a longer lifespan.
Final words
Cooking should not feel like a tiring activity that takes forever to finish because there are several simple facts that anyone can learn through this process, as it helps people stay focused on the present, reduces stress and anxiety, boosts creativity, and improves overall well-being. Especially with people struggling with anxiety, cooking can be transformed into an everyday habit to help them control their emotions better. Experts also consider that this activity can reduce stress and is a method many therapists have included in their sessions. Because, now more than ever, people struggle with mental health, it is important to find habits and passion to increase happiness and positivity.
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