Hello,
Beautiful one,
Welcome.
I'm so glad you're here.
Today we're going to explore a topic that's very close to my heart.
Cooking as a positive coping mechanism.
Many people think cooking,
Isn't that just something we do to feed ourselves?
Yes,
It is definitely that,
But it can also be so much more.
For me,
Cooking has been a lifeline during some of the most challenging times in my life.
And I believe it can be the same for you too.
As we all know,
Life can be challenging.
We experience moments of stress,
Anxiety,
Heartbreak,
Loss.
And it's often during these times that we need to find healthy ways to cope,
To nurture ourselves and to find a sense of peace amidst the chaos.
And that's where cooking comes in.
For me,
The kitchen has always been a sanctuary.
It's been a place where I can escape the noise of the world and simply be present with myself.
The rhythmic chopping of vegetables,
The soothing aroma of simmering spices and the gentle hum of the fans.
All of these simple acts have powerful ways of grounding us and bringing us back to the here and now.
I remember one particularly difficult period in my life where everything seemed to be falling apart.
I felt lost and overwhelmed and frankly,
Very much out of control.
But whenever I stepped into the kitchen,
Something shifted.
The act of creating something delicious and something nourishing gave me a sense of purpose and a sense of accomplishment.
It was this simple act of cooking was a way of saying to myself,
I can handle this.
I am capable.
I am strong.
And I know I'm not alone in this.
Many of us have experienced the therapeutic power of cooking.
Perhaps you found solace in kneading dough,
Releasing pent up frustration with each push and pull and fold and push and pull and fold.
It's that repetition that really helps us stay grounded.
Or maybe you've even lost yourself in the intricate dance of flavors as you create a new recipe and you become so focused on the task at hand of what you're doing,
Of what needs to be done,
That you forget your worries for a while.
Think about your own relationship with cooking.
Have you ever noticed how it can shift your mood,
Calm your mind or simply bring you joy?
I know for many people,
When they often come into the kitchen,
They feel a sense of dread.
But being able to turn this around and reframe the way you think about cooking gives an opportunity to use this as a tool for coping.
So if you're thinking,
No,
There's no way I can do that,
I would invite you to when you walk into your kitchen to cook next time,
To say to yourself,
I love cooking.
Cooking helps me.
Cooking nourishes me.
Cooking allows me an escape.
Often it's a feeling of accomplishment to have a beautiful meal,
Whether it's for yourself,
Loved ones,
Or perhaps it's a simple act of just savoring each bite.
But allowing yourself to be fully present in these moments can shift your mind away from whatever troubles are there.
Cooking can be a form of mindfulness.
It is definitely a way to anchor ourselves in the present.
It's a way to connect with all of our senses.
If you think about all the processes in cooking,
From shopping to eating,
How many times are you using your senses?
From when you walk into the grocery store and you look around,
Using your sight to see the produce,
Whatever you're purchasing,
And as you walk down the aisles,
Allowing yourself to just smell and visualize how that is going to be when you come home.
And then the feel of ingredients when you pick them up,
Whether it's the dimpling of a lemon,
The smooth skin of a watermelon,
Or leafy greens,
Just allowing yourself to fully experience this.
And then coming home and repeating those processes when you're washing your vegetables.
And again,
Using your senses for all of these will just help keep you anchored in the moment.
And if you are thinking,
There's just no way I can do this,
I again invite you to give it a try and to just try to use this tool to help you.
Because it will and can bring us back to the here and the now,
Away from the worries of the past or even anxieties of the future.
Because you'll be thinking about what you're getting ready to do.
There's no better way than knives and fire to keep us focused.
And really the best part is,
Cooking does not need to be complicated.
It really can be a very simple task.
To get the therapeutic benefits,
Simple tasks like chopping vegetables or brewing a cup of tea offer a sense of peace and grounding.
So how can we incorporate cooking into our self-care routine?
Here are a few tips.
Set aside a dedicated time each week for cooking.
Even if it's just one time a week,
Allow yourself 30 minutes.
Experiment with new recipes,
Or if you feel called,
Revisit old favorites that bring you joy.
And then focus on the process of cooking,
Not just the end result.
And allow yourself to fully immerse into the experience.
Don't be afraid to make mistakes.
It's all a part of the learning process.
And remember,
Cooking is a journey.
It's about nourishing your body,
Your soul,
Finding comfort in the familiar,
And embracing the joy of creation.
Thank you for joining me today.
May you always find peace in your kitchen.
