Feeling Lost? Try Cooking More Often
Over the years, I’ve come to find realize that turning to the kitchen and embracing cooking has been a truly powerful way for me to navigate through the storm. In some ways, preparing myself a nice meal has always helped me feel accomplished at the end of a long tiring day. While it may seem like a difficult task at hand, I strongly believe in the power of cooking, and how it is a life skill that offers a wide range of benefits that extends beyond simply preparing meals.
Here are several reasons as to why I started making cooking a part of my weekly routine, and why you should too!
It’s great for your health and nutrition
An obvious one, to say the least! While I, like many of us, do love treating myself to nice cafes, lunch spots and eating out at bougie restaurant (hello Montreal!), there’s just something about preparing a nice homecooked meal for myself or others that always seems to hit a little differently.
When you cook your own meals, you have control over the ingredients, allowing you to choose fresh, wholesome, and nutritious foods. I have always felt, in some ways, empowered whenever I managed to create myself balanced and healthier meals with new, familiar or simple ingredients.
Furthermore, knowing how to cook can give you the independence and self-sufficiency to take care of your nutritional needs. It allows you to cater to your dietary preferences and requirements, promoting a healthier sustainable lifestyle.
It’s cost-effective and good for the environment
Cooking at home is generally more cost-effective than eating out or ordering takeout regularly. Preparing my meals has allowed me to save money in the long run while also being mindful of my budget.
Also, by cooking at home, you can make sustainable choices in your ingredients and reduce your carbon footprint, contributing positively to the environment. Don’t forget to compost your scraps people!
It’s good for stress relief
Focusing on the present moment while chopping, stirring, and cooking allows you to unwind and experience a sense of tranquility...and forgetting life’s natural stresses (guilty!). I love that experimenting with flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques helps me to unwind, but also challenge myself bu fueling my creativity in the kitchen!
Cooking can be a mundane task…but it’s also wonderfully human.
When feeling lost, remember that cooking is more than just a means of preparing a meal; it is an opportunity for self-discovery, mindfulness, and transformation. The kitchen can be your sanctuary during tumultuous times, providing solace and clarity. Embrace the art of cooking as a way to find your footing and reconnect with your inner self. Allow the process to guide you towards newfound clarity, comfort, and the strength to navigate through life's uncertainties.