Published on 14th January, 2025

Cooking is more than just preparing meals; it's an art form that can significantly impact one's mental health. The process of creating dishes from scratch can be soothing and relaxing.

''Cooking and baking are both physical and mental therapy.” – Mary Berry

Here’s how cooking can contribute to better mental health:

Mindfullness and Focus

Cooking requires focus and attention to detail, from chopping vegetables to measuring ingredients. This focus can help people practice mindfulness, a mental state achieved by concentrating on the present moment.

Imagine the smell of herbs and spices, the sizzle of tomatoes in a pan and the sound of frying chicken nuggets. This is not just cooking, it's mindfullness in action. Mindfulness has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, making cooking an excellent way to unwind and clear the mind after a long day at work.

If you rely too heavily on fast food takeout or packed meals. We understand that it is super processed, so you may feel your stomach, but in reality, you are starving your brain because our brains require so many nutrients that are associated with good handmade cuisine.

“What I have found is that the best way to unwind is cooking. You only have two hands. If you are chopping veggies, you are forcing yourself to put the phone down or step away from the computer. It’s extremely relaxing.” – Whitney Wolfe

Sense of Accomplishment

Have you ever felt a sense of accomplishment after baking a perfect loaf of bread? Completing a recipe gives a sense of achievement. For college students facing academic pressures, finishing a dish can provide a confidence boost. It's a tangible result of their effort, which is uplifting.

I recently overcame my fear of cooking Chapati (a popular dish in Kenya). The first batch did not turn out as expected, but the more I cooked, the better the quality of my Chapatis, and I realized cooking and baking are quite similar, so I applied some of my baking skills while making the dish.

Creative Expression

Cooking is art. I often refer to the kitchen as my happy place because it allows you to experiment, innovate, and create. It's more than just preparing a meal; it's about expressing oneself and telling a story with each dish you garnish and plate your meal. It's your unique culinary style which serves as a form of therapy.

Perhaps the most beautiful aspect about kitchen creativity is that it is accessible to everyone. You do not need to be a Michelin-starred chef to cook; all you need is a teaspoon of creativity, a sprinkle of courage, a pinch of imagination.  It can be your creative studio.

Cooking is like painting or writing a song. Just as there are only so many notes or colors, there are only so many flavors – it’s how you combine them that sets you apart.” – Wolfgang Puck

Cooking Therapy: An Emerging Trend

Cooking therapy is gaining popularity as a mental health intervention. In therapy sessions, individuals engage in cooking activities to explore emotions, improve self-esteem, and develop coping skills.

How Cooking Therapy Works

Cooking therapy usually happens in a group. People cook together with help from a therapist.

This collaborative environment encourages social interaction and teamwork, which can alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation common among college students.

Participants should think about their cooking experiences. They can talk about how it makes them feel and what they learn about which leads to greater self-awareness and personal growth.

Benefits of Cooking Therapy

• Emotional Release: Cooking allows you to channel their emotions into a productive activity, providing a healthy outlet for stress and anxiety.
• Improved Self-Esteem: Successfully preparing a dish can boost self-confidence and a sense of competence.
• Social Connections: Cooking fosters social bonds and a sense of belonging, counteracting the isolation that many college students experience.

Practical Tips for College Students

Cooking while in college can feel hard, but with some simple tips, it can be easy and fun.

Start Simple

Begin with simple recipes that require minimal ingredients and preparation time. Dishes like stir-fries, pasta, and salads are easy to make and can be customized to suit personal tastes.

Make It a Social Activity

Invite friends or roommates to cook together. This makes the experience more fun and provide an opportunity to strengthen social connections. Cooking with others can also lead to recipe exchanges and shared culinary skills.

Explore New Cuisines

Experimenting with new cuisines can add excitement to cooking.

This semester, we are studying about European cuisine. I'm quite excited since it's an opportunity to learn about different cultures and enhance my cooking skills.This makes cooking fun.

''I've long believed that good food, good eating, is all about risk. Whether we;re talking about unpasteurized Stilton, raw oysters or working for organized crime 'associates,' food, for me, has always been an adventure.'' - Anthony Bourdain

Takeaway

Mental health is a critical aspect of overall well-being, especially for college students. Through mindfulness, creativity, and social interaction, culinary arts can provide a therapeutic escape from the stresses of life.

Remember, the kitchen is not just a place for making meals; it’s a space for healing and personal growth. So, grab an apron, gather some ingredients, and start cooking your way to better mental health.