Cooking has long been celebrated for the joy it brings, whether it’s the aroma of banana bread wafting through the kitchen or the satisfaction of a well-cooked casserole. The pandemic underscored this for many, as people turned to cooking as a source of comfort and entertainment during lockdowns. Research supports the notion that cooking is beneficial beyond mere nourishment.
A 2021 study by Turkish researchers Ozan Güler and Murat Ismet Haseki found that nearly half of participants reported cooking as a source of happiness. Twenty-three percent considered it a fun activity, while nearly one-third cited psychological relief as a benefit.
Mariana de Oliveira Dias, Executive Director of Health and Wellness at Sands China in Macau, underscores the holistic benefits of home cooking. “Cooking engages both body and mind, positively impacting mental wellness. It reduces stress, fosters creative expression through flavor experimentation, and instills a sense of accomplishment and pride,” Dias explains. “The process itself can be rewarding, enhancing self-esteem and promoting mindfulness as one becomes fully engaged in each step of cooking.”
Lou Lou Chang, founder of the Space Within wellness retreat in Macau, highlights the cognitive benefits of cooking. “Conscious cooking engages the right side of the brain, activating our sensual awareness of food through its colors, textures, smells, and tastes,” says Chang. “This engagement helps alleviate overthinking, which often leads to burnout and stress. A wandering mind can contribute to unhappiness.”
Both Dias and Chang advocate for mindful eating as a way to enhance the cooking experience and its mental health benefits. Chang suggests, “By focusing on the sensory aspects of food, you can activate your awareness and better appreciate the freshness and quality of what you’re eating.”
Dias adds, “Mindful eating improves awareness of eating habits, hunger cues, preferences, and triggers, promoting healthier food choices and a more balanced relationship with food.”
Regardless of one’s experience level in the kitchen, approaching cooking with a positive and mindful mindset can yield better results. Dias advises, “Cook with love and view cooking as a form of nourishment and self-care. Let this intention guide your actions in the kitchen.”
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