Let’s be honest: cooking often feels like the Sisyphean task of adulting. The moment you’ve plated your homemade masterpiece, someone’s already asking, “What’s for dinner tomorrow?” (Thanks, family.) But what if instead of dreading the daily dinner dilemma, you started viewing cooking as a secret weapon for your mental health?
Before you roll your eyes and fire up DoorDash, let’s explore why experts—and not just your annoying friend who swears by sourdough starters—think cooking can be genuinely therapeutic. Spoiler alert: this isn’t just about kale smoothies and quinoa bowls.
Can Cooking Actually Be Therapy? (Spoiler: Kind of, But Not Really)
First, let’s set the record straight. Cooking isn’t going to replace your therapist. If your life is a hot mess, julienning carrots won’t magically solve your existential crisis. Dr. Elisabeth Crain, PsyD, emphasizes this point, noting that while cooking has many mental health perks, it’s not a substitute for actual therapy. Think of it as an enhancement, like the sprig of parsley on your mental health lasagna.
Cooking, Crain explains, is a form of mindfulness. Chopping, sautéing, and following recipes forces you to focus on the task at hand. There’s no room for spiraling about your inbox or doomscrolling on Instagram when you’re trying not to burn garlic (because no one wants that bitter taste haunting their dinner).
A Side of Accomplishment, Please
Ever felt like the only thing you’ve achieved in a day is scrolling TikTok until your thumb cramps? Cooking offers a remedy. There’s something undeniably satisfying about turning raw ingredients into an edible dish—even if it’s just a halfway decent spaghetti Bolognese. Vandana Sheth, a registered dietitian, calls it a form of “grounding,” which is basically a fancy way of saying it gives you a sense of control in an otherwise chaotic world.
Feeling like a hot mess? Whip up a hot mess of chili. Voilà, you’ve accomplished something. You’re basically Gordon Ramsay now.
The Science Behind Why Cooking Feels So Good
If you’re skeptical about all this, science has your back. A 2018 meta-analysis by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that “cooking interventions”—basically anything that shakes up your relationship with food prep—can improve self-esteem, reduce anxiety, and boost overall well-being. Who knew a casserole dish could double as a mental health tool?
Here’s why:
Engaging All Your Senses
Cooking activates your senses in a way that swiping through food delivery apps never will. The sizzle of onions in a hot pan, the vibrant colors of fresh veggies, the tantalizing aroma of a simmering curry—these sensory experiences can calm your mind and make you feel alive. (Pro tip: don’t sniff turmeric directly. Learned that one the hard way.)Flexing Your Brain Muscles
Cooking isn’t just an art; it’s also science. Planning meals and executing recipes taps into your executive functioning skills—those nifty brain processes that help you organize, plan, and multitask. It’s like Sudoku, but with tastier results.Healthy Body, Happier Mind
Cooking your own meals means you control what goes into them. Experts like Sheth point out that a diet rich in omega-3s, leafy greens, and fruits can help regulate mood and brain function. (Translation: put down the bag of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and pick up some walnuts.)
Baking vs. Cooking: The Battle of Mental Health Boosts
If cooking is therapeutic, baking might just be its overachieving sibling. Baking, according to Crain, is the structured perfectionist’s dream. It’s all about precise measurements and following the rules—ideal for those who find solace in predictability.
Forget about "a dash of this" or "a splash of that." Baking is science in action. Get your ratios wrong, and your soufflé will collapse like your willpower at a dessert buffet. But when you nail it? Instant serotonin boost. Plus, there’s something uniquely satisfying about watching dough rise—it’s the little victories, you know?
On the flip side, cooking allows more room for creativity. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure story where cumin might unexpectedly become the hero. If you’re the type who thrives on winging it, cooking’s improvisational nature might be your jam. (Pun intended.)
How to Make Cooking Work for Your Mental Health
Alright, so you’re sold on the idea that cooking might help you not lose your mind. Now what? Here are some practical tips to maximize the mental health benefits:
Set the Mood
Think of your kitchen as a tiny spa for your brain. Play some calming music—classical, jazz, or even lo-fi beats. Light a candle if you’re feeling extra. Bonus points for pouring yourself a glass of wine or mocktail to sip while you cook. (We’re aiming for therapeutic vibes, not chaotic “Top Chef” energy.)Embrace Mise en Place
In culinary terms, this means “everything in its place.” In mental health terms, it means “get your life together.” Lining up your ingredients beforehand not only makes cooking smoother but also brings a sense of order to your chaotic day. Trust me, your future self will thank you for not forgetting the salt.Experiment Without Pressure
Cooking is a low-stakes way to practice trying new things. If your roasted Brussels sprouts turn into burnt hockey pucks, the worst-case scenario is you order pizza. The stakes are significantly lower than, say, bombing a work presentation.Cook for Connection
Cooking doesn’t have to be a solo act. Invite friends over for a potluck or make dinner with your family. Food has a magical way of bringing people together, and connection is a key ingredient for mental well-being. Just make sure everyone contributes—no freeloaders.Celebrate Your Wins
When you finally pull off that Instagram-worthy lasagna or perfectly fluffy soufflé, pat yourself on the back. Revel in the accomplishment and maybe even post about it. (Because, let’s face it, validation from strangers on the internet doesn’t hurt.)
What If You Hate Cooking?
Not everyone is Ina Garten, and that’s okay. If the thought of cooking still makes you want to crawl under a blanket, start small. Maybe it’s just assembling a simple salad or boiling some pasta. Even small steps can reap mental health rewards.
If all else fails, consider taking a cooking class. Not only will you learn new skills, but you’ll also meet people who are just as clueless about deglazing a pan as you are. It’s a win-win.
Cooking Isn’t a Cure-All, But It’s a Start
Let’s not kid ourselves—cooking isn’t going to solve all your problems. But in a world that often feels overwhelming, it can be a small, manageable act of self-care. Plus, at the end of the day, you get to eat. And if there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that food has a magical way of making everything feel a little bit better.
So, the next time life has you in a tailspin, grab a spatula, toss on an apron, and channel your inner Julia Child. Who knows? That chicken pot pie might just become your new favorite coping mechanism. And hey, even if it doesn’t, there’s always wine. Cheers to that. 🍷
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