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Treating cooking as a meditative, inspiring and therapeutic process is not only possible, but very necessary and useful. Psychologist Linda Vasmer Andrews provides an easy-to-follow recipe for getting a fresh perspective on what you’re used to.
“One of my favorite ways to de-stress after a long day at work is cutting vegetables. The rhythmic tapping of a knife on a cutting board calms the mind, says Linda Wasmer Andrews, a psychologist and author of books on psychology and health. “Avid cooks have long understood the therapeutic power of the kitchen action.” The ability to slow down and focus on the process makes this activity stand out from the usual routine.
Today, “culinary therapy” is part of the arsenal of mental health clinics. This direction is widely used in the treatment of mental and behavioral conditions, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders and addictions.
Recipe for mental health
The first and most obvious link between cooking and mental health is nutrition. It is much easier to control the quality of the diet when everything is mostly homemade, and the impact on brain health of the quality of the foods we eat has been repeatedly proven.
Referring to a study by a group of psychiatrists led by Dr. Jerome Sarris, Linda writes: “Brain metabolism is very active, it consumes the lion’s share of the nutrients entering the body. A direct link has been established between brain health and certain elements, such as omega-3s, B vitamins, iron, zinc, magnesium, and amino acids.” Only by providing yourself with the right balanced diet, you can be sure that the brain gets everything it needs for full-fledged work.
A pinch of awareness
The process of cooking can also bring mental health benefits. Linda cites data from family therapist Lisa Bahar, who suggests that clients treat what is happening in the kitchen as a mindfulness practice: “Pick up a tangerine. Start with the peel: examine its color, smell the aroma and the soft roughness of the surface. Then, as you clean and slice it, be aware of every moment, every action you take, everything that happens, like the splash of juice. Put a slice in your mouth and savor the taste of the juicy fruit.”
This concentration on the present moment helps to stop the flow of obsessive thoughts about current problems. Mindfulness helps to reduce stress levels and adds brightness to the sensations.
A drop of gratitude
“After you finish cooking, stop for a moment and think about how far these products have come before they become a finished dish in your hands. Let’s return to the same tangerine: a seed sprouted in the ground, a tree grew, fruits ripened on it. Tangerines were collected, packed in boxes, transported from place to place, packaged and transported again – now to the supermarket. How many stages have been passed in order for the tangerine to be in your kitchen. Rejoice in this little miracle and feel gratitude for it – maybe it will improve your attitude.
A little creativity
For many people, the process of cooking is a real outlet. You can not follow the recipe, but try to diversify different dishes with your favorite flavors. You can not run to the supermarket with a long list of ingredients, but create something from what is at hand. This will save time and effort and create opportunities for creativity. A new dish will become a small personal achievement, which means it will raise self-esteem and mood.
Spoon full of joy
Of course, you can treat cooking as just another chore. “But you can also get pleasure from it, which washing or dusting does not give. If only because delicious food is a classic example of a reward. That is, a reward system is built into the process, ”recalls Linda Wasmer Andrews.
To make the process fun, she suggests playing with food. Do not try to tensely repeat the actions of the host of the culinary show, but simply enjoy the process, forgetting about perfectionism.
Combine and mix well
Cooking with a partner unites and promotes communication. Linda quotes food author Ellen Kanner: “When we put a dish together on the table, it means that all disagreements and resentments are put aside and we can focus on a common goal. If your tastes differ, this is a great opportunity to learn how to negotiate: “I know how much you love potatoes, so today we will cook them, but next time – my favorite quinoa.” Hunger and the desire to quickly prepare food is a great impetus to reach a compromise.
Linda Wasmer Andrews’ “Recipe” helps to change what has become a routine for many. Cooking can be a fun creative process, a meditation practice, and a way to feel close to your loved one.
About the author: Linda Wasmer Andrews is a psychotherapist, physical and mental health professional, author of The Encyclopedia of Depression, and many others.