People frequently promote the merits of preparing our own meals. Many individuals embrace this practise since it can help us save money, enhance our health, and broaden our culinary knowledge. Despite these benefits, many people regard cooking as a chore.
This is understandable—cooking entails dreaded excursions to the grocery shop, a plethora of filthy dishes, the risk of setting off your home’s smoke alarm, and the occasional inedible food. Cooking can be a divisive hobby for these reasons: some of us adore it, while others despise it.
Cooking has been clinically proved to support our mental health, regardless of which side you’re on. Don’t simply take our word for it if you think this is unexpected news. Read on to discover about the various ways that meal preparation can improve your mental health, as well as some tips on how to get started!
Cooking Contributes to a Brain-Healthy Diet
Did you know that certain foods can help you think more clearly? A study published in 2014 found a link between poor mental health and bad dietary habits.
It’s critical to recognize that the word “unhealthy diet” carries a lot of baggage and often ignores the factors that lead to poor food choices, such as a lack of access and poverty.
If you can’t find fresh, whole foods, contact your local Community Supported Agriculture organisation (CSA). This is a weekly option for fresh fruits and veggies that is less expensive than farmers’ markets and grocery stores.
Furthermore, several organizations offer low-cost fruit and vegetable boxes to members of the community who are struggling financially. Call them to discover more about your assistance options.
Cooking fosters social interaction.
How many times does a recipe only make one serving? It’s really uncommon. Food is designed to be shared, and cooking provides a convenient excuse to do so. It might be as simple as going to your local farmer’s market and asking the merchants for cooking suggestions.
You may seek the help of a friend in the kitchen or invite some family members over for a meal. When it comes to eating, there are a plethora of opportunities for social connection.
Recent studies supports the link between cooking and sociability. Cooking is an excellent intervention utilized in therapeutic and rehabilitative settings, according to a 2017 study published in the Health Education & Behavior Journal.
Cooking Can Assist You in Establishing a Routine
Routine is so beneficial to our brains that it has been used as a form of psychotherapy. Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT) is a type of psychotherapy that is commonly used with people suffering from bipolar disorder.
This therapy understands how stressful life events and changes in one’s daily routine can trigger a depressed or manic episode in those suffering from bipolar disorder.
This type of therapy teaches people how to schedule when they sleep, wake up, and eat, among other things. By following a routine, we can balance our circadian rhythm.
Cooking is a great way to boost your creativity.
According to a recent study, including creative activities into your daily routine can improve your mood and overall well-being.
Another study categorizes cooking as a creative activity, emphasizing the link between cooking and enhanced mood. So we can’t dispute with science: don your chef’s hat and fearlessly explore your kitchen to feel better than ever.
How to Get Started
At this point, you may be on board with the idea of cooking to boost your mental health but may have no idea of where to begin.
- Take a moment to consider some of your favorite dishes.
- Consider a cooking class.
- Reach out to your inner circle. Asking a loved one to show you a few tips and tricks for preparing your meals may be a comfortable way to get started.
