Here, at Gettin Life Dunn cooking is considered to be Kitchen Therapy. You ‘re probably thinking there is nothing more stressful then having to cook dinner after a long day at work. Well on the average night it may be exactly that- a chore. Let’s look at it from a different view.
What I am about to tell you is not going to stop you from running through a fast food restaurant after baseball practice. The coach didn’t call the game at 8 PM, so now you have to feed your kids, get showers, and possibly even homework before bed. No judging here!
If you are that baseball mom – I know that I was – don’t stop reading because not every day is a week day, right?
Did you know that cooking can nourish your psychological well-being, such as allowing you to focus on the present moment and not the stressors?
Preparing a meal is unlike anything else we do in our daily lives. It’s a nourishing act that allows us to slow down and center ourselves.
Mindful cooking allows you to focus on the present moment, so that you’re not ruminating over past mistakes or worrying about future problems.
You may be asking yourself what I mean. Let me give you an example. Think of when you have to zest a lemon for a recipe. Think of the color, the smell, the texture of the zest. Notice the spray of juice when you break through the peel. Mindfully savor those moments to let go of stress.
When I became an empty nester, I felt that cooking was almost depressing. It was something that I was avoiding because it reminded me that no one besides my husband and I were going to be eating dinner that evening. I would convince myself not to cook because it was just cheaper to order out.
I had surgery which forced me to be on leave from work. It forced me to slow down. I watched every episode of Pioneer Woman. I laughed, I cried, I mourned how much life had changed . But I finished the last show with a different mindset about cooking as an empty nester.
I could indulge in creating a wonderful meal that would bring me joy! There is nothing like allowing yourself to be in the moment and actually experience the wonders of the outcome of your labors, rather then focus on the past or the future.
So even if you’re just looking for a recipe, you may just find a blog that brings about an AHA moment for you. A moment when you decide that you need to incorporate kitchen therapy in your home as well. Still not convinced? Well make sure to stick around because cooking is considered kitchen therapy here at Gettin Life Dunn.
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