Over the course of the last few years, I have really fallen in love with sewing--it started out being something almost out of necessity, because being 6’0” I can often have a hard time finding clothing that is long enough and fits me the way I want it to. After sewing so many garments that fit just right and are the fabrics and colors I love (Including a floor length gown while I was 7 months pregnant--talk about challenging!!), I have felt such a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction from creating these garments that I have quickly realized that sewing is much more than a hobby for me. It is challenging for my brain--it sparks my creativity, while at the same time, forces me to take the time to slow down and get lost in following the important and precise steps of the process. Sewing is a great mental health booster for me and many others.

There are many things that can positively boost mental health for people and build and empower us: painting, gardening, training for a half marathon, etc. The one that probably reigns champion at the top of the list is cooking and baking. Cooking can have so many benefits for the brain and body and here are a few reasons why:

It Gives You a Reward at the End.

Cooking and baking present two different aspects for mental health: the activity and the result. Both of which have great benefits. Cooking and baking both have “behavioral activation”, which is finding meaning in the things you do rather than just drifting through them. By creating a tasty meal or treat, you get a “reward”, which is a demonstration that your actions have resulted in something real and positive.

Opportunity to Practice Mindfulness.

Cooking is the perfect opportunity to slow things down and dive into your senses: study the ingredients you are using and observe the colors, the touch, and the smells. Instead of rushing through dinner, take the time to be present and appreciate the beauty of the food you will be eating. I like to stop and think about the nourishing affects these foods will have on my body. That helps me make smarter food choices as well.

Cooking Connects You With Loved Ones.

Cooking for others has a ton of positive benefits whether you are cooking to entertain, to celebrate, to nourish, or to show you care in a time of crisis. To see someone enjoy a meal or treat you made can really help build one’s sense of self worth and value.

Sitting down at the table to share a meal with your loved ones is the perfect chance to ask questions, get to know each other better, smile and laugh. These connections are becoming increasingly vital in today’s world with all of the screen time!

Allows You to Express Your Creativity.

Easy recipes seem to carry the strongest mental health benefits because the process doesn’t create anxiety, but it does encourage focus, all while boosting creativity and happiness. You can totally stick with something simple and comforting like a grilled cheese, or you could use your creative brain to think of fun ways to tweak it to take it to the next level! These will create victories for you, no matter which way you go.

Can Be Like a Meditative Process. 

Cooking can get you in a calmer state because it gets you in the “zone”--a place where you can just get lost in the task at hand. For someone who battles with negative thoughts, worries and has doubts and fears, cooking can bring you in a place mentally where you feel peace and serenity instead.

Do you find cooking and baking to be something that brings great value to you mentally, in addition to physically? I resolve to take the time to cook more simple and nourishing meals in 2020. To slow down and enjoy the moment--enjoy the ingredients and sights and smells. To converse while sharing a meal with the ones I love most. Do you have any cooking or baking resolutions for 2020? Please share your thoughts in the comments below?