Use Cooking as Your Stress Relief Activity

Use Cooking as Your Stress Relief Activity

When it comes to alleviating stress, people have a variety of methods. Reading books. Coloring. Going for a hike. Deep cleaning the house. Watching a new series. 

One of our favorite (and most effective!) ways to alleviate stress is by getting in the kitchen. 

Whether you’re often the chef of the house or often resort to boxed macaroni & cheese to shovel down in between answering work emails, cooking can be a fun activity to do something with your hands and create something you can be proud of. 

Even if you don’t consider yourself well-versed in the kitchen, picking out a recipe or browsing through your pantry to come up with your own creation can result in more than just a delicious meal. Especially if you tend to see getting something on the table as another hassle that comes across you in your day, reframing how you view the art of cooking can cultivate a way to bring joy in your life. 

At Fustini’s, we certainly love to cook. When you’re in the kitchen, we’re right there with you. 

Reasons Why Cooking Can Be Your Source of Stress Relief 

Cooking can help spark delight in your everyday life. Here we share why cooking can be a powerful source of stress relief as well as some ideas you can try today. 

Create Your Own Art 

Have you ever heard of the phrase, “you eat with your eyes”? Cooking and tasting is an experience that can include all the senses. By combining different colors, textures, and styles of cooking, you can create a dish that not only delights your tastebuds but also looks like a true work of art. 

Flex Your Creativity 

Like creating art, cooking also allows you the opportunity to use your creativity in a new way. People who engage in daily creativity tend to be happier and more relaxed. 

Creativity is a characteristic each of us has. We can all grow and cultivate our creativity. It matters how we intentionally develop our creativity and use it in our everyday life. 

Find Something You Can Control 

In a world that at times can seem so out of control, it may be helpful to find small ways we can feel in control of life. Cooking and baking can be an area that meets that need. Especially in moments of anxiety and stress, being able to channel your need for control into something you can make with your own hands can help put a little more confidence in your court. You determine how much sugar to dump in, how long to sauté your peppers, how thin to slice your grilled chicken. 

Culinary therapy has even been implemented at health clinics and promoted by therapists as a way to navigate depression and anxiety. CRC Health says that culinary therapy incorporates activities like cooking, meal planning, and education in grocery shopping and restaurants. It’s been linked to provide benefits in stress relief, coordination, time management skills, and improved self-esteem. Fight off those stressors just by picking up a cookbook and creating something fun. 

Eat Well, Feel Well 

Choosing to cook at home rather than picking up another cheese pizza also improves your physical well-being in addition to your mental health. Opting for whole foods like vegetables, fruits, and grains help to keep your mind healthy as you fuel your body with nutrition. Nutrients like omega-3 fats, B vitamins, and amino acids have been linked to better brain health.

And, when you incorporate extra virgin olive oils and vinegars, getting those added health benefits becomes even easier. 

Share The Love With Others  

Doing something nice for someone else can make ourselves feel better, too. Doubling a batch of lasagna to have one for dinner and bring the other to a family full of kids can bring a smile to their faces--and yours. Baking a couple of loaves of banana bread to bring over to a lonely neighbor can transform relationships. Through the generous gesture of food, you can invite joy and positivity in your life. 

Focus on Something Else 

From work to managing kids to volunteering in the community to taking care of others, there can be a lot going on. While many of these areas of our lives are positive and spark delight, there may be times when we need a little distraction.

Engaging in the creative act of cooking or baking can turn your focus from overwhelming task lists and problems we face to creating something whole for our body and soul. 

Start Your Stress Relief With These Easy Ideas 

Ready to get cooking? 

Us too. 

When it comes to getting in the kitchen, you can find recipes and dishes you can try regardless of your taste preferences or dietary restrictions.

To help you spark some ideas on what to make for dinner tonight or plan for breakfast in the morning, here we share some fun recipes we can’t get enough of. These recipes are simple to follow and don’t require a laundry list of ingredients. Especially if you’re new to the art of cooking, start off slow and see what fun you can whip up. 

Stress-Free Breakfast 

blueberry zucchini bread

Lunches & Snacks 

 

cheese quesadilla

 

  • Whip up a quick and tasty lunch for you and the kids with this Cheese Quesadilla recipe.
  • Amp up that handful of almonds with this Cinnamon Chipotle flavor inspiration.  
  • Get creative with a typical bruschetta recipe that you make exactly how you like. 

Dinner 

 

bacon cheeseburger salad

 

Desserts 

What are you eager to make? Let us know what you’re cooking up in your kitchen by sharing on our social media platforms! 

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