A balanced diet has been proven to benefit both short- and long-term health. However, there’s much more to cooking than one might think. It is not just ‘nutrition’, but it is also a way for you to relax, practice & work on your self-esteem. The research on the beneficial impacts of cooking on mental health is encouraging, and we will list some of it down below!
Why cooking is important for self-esteem and self-awareness? Top 4 reasons
1. Fix your focus
The Wall Street Journal reports that psychologists consider baking and cooking to be a form of “behavioral activation” therapy.
These actions alleviate sadness by increasing goal-oriented behavior and minimizing procrastination in most individuals.
People who have a passion for the kitchen may be better able to focus on a single activity, which may provide them with a measure of control and authority they don’t get elsewhere. If you need to work on your emotional stability and if you can’t keep your focus – time to get busy in the kitchen!
2. Nurturing side of you
Source: answers.childrenshospital.org
Making food for others fills a fundamental human need, making it a profoundly fulfilling kind of philanthropy. This is why a lot of moms love to prepare food for their kids.
Along with bringing us delight, helping others can also make us feel good just by doing it.
This promotes the development of trust, community, meaning, purpose, and intimacy. There’s a good reason why some recipes have the title “labors of love.” So, why not unwind after a long day at work, and create a meal that your significant others are going to enjoy?
3. Expressing creativity
Making use of your imagination when cooking is good for your psyche.
A 2016 study found that those who regularly engage in creative activities like writing, sketching, singing, or cooking report higher levels of life satisfaction. Why not boost your endorphins this way?
Cooking at home allows you to explore different flavor combinations and see how they work together.
Even when following a recipe, don’t be afraid to improvise with ingredients. You will have a lot of fun + the end product is going to be delicious!
4. Get healthy
Source: healthline.com
Consider cooking dinner at home at least twice a week if you’re serious about enhancing your health. Not only that it fixes your focus, but it also motivates you to strive for more & try out new goals.
Planning or preparing your meals ahead of time is also beneficial, according to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
There is evidence connecting gut health to mental health. Why and how so? Well, for instance, the neurotransmitter serotonin is produced nearly exclusively in the digestive system and is involved in controlling sleep and hunger, influencing mood, and reducing pain.
If you want to become even more aware of your emotions & yourself click here! The right coach will reveal some of the most amazing tips & tricks that you can apply at all times.
