A creative way to embrace a slower pace, cooking can be a wonderful salve for a busy brain – providing solace in an often hectic and demanding world. Are you ready to step into the culinary zone out?
Cooking at home is so much more than simply putting a meal on the table. The rhythmic motions of chopping and dicing, the bubbling of a broth, the pops of food in the pan, and the aromas that fill the kitchen, create a wonderful sensory experience that boosts our self-belief and creativity.
Add an audiobook, podcast, or some music into the mix, and the capacity to zone out increases two-fold. But, can poring over pasta and finessing flatbreads really improve our mental health?
Cooking up something special for your wellbeing
We only need to look back to the Covid-19 lockdown to see the abundant positives that cooking provides. As the doors closed on us, we moved to the kitchen where we embraced new recipes, took on the challenge of sourdough bread, and delved into the delicate folds of homemade pasta. Those small daily movements calmed intrusive thoughts and provided solace, joy, and connection in a world that seemed unwaveringly disconnected.
And cooking as a form of connection is very much alive and kicking. Step into workplaces, schools, prisons, and community groups, and you’ll find examples of ‘culinary therapy’ in action. The simple acts of stirring and chopping quietly foster patience, dignity, mindfulness, self-belief, purpose, and creativity.
It’s thought to be due to the ‘flow state’ (a phrase coined by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi) or ‘zone out’ space that we move into when engaged in activities that require our attention, where our focus is fully absorbed by the task at hand. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that people who engage in creative pursuits appear to lead happier lives – most likely because these types of activities require us to live in the moment. Like dancing, sport, or crafts, cooking is a mindful activity that requires us to be fully immersed, which can actively shift negative thoughts and dull anxiety.
It’s worth noting that ‘flow states’ are often also associated with neurodivergent people, such as those with ADHD and on the autism spectrum, but it’s believed that entering and embracing these flow states for any individual can be beneficial in allowing them to gain a deeper knowledge and develop skills in certain areas.
And that’s before we even get to the great reveal – the dopamine-boosting moment of placing food on the table, which is always a guaranteed mood maximiser!
If you’re not a natural in the kitchen, you needn’t worry, because it’s the processes – the movements, sounds, smells, and tastes – that provide the real benefit. Whether you’re a fermenting maestro, or simply trying to crack your finest roast potatoes, it’s the journey of exploration that presents the wins, and unleashes those feel-good human emotions.
Ready to roll your sleeves up and start? Here are six ways to embrace the culinary zone out and foster a deeper and more meaningful relationship with ingredients, food, yourself, and, consequently, the people who you really love.
Mindful listening
Cooking with a podcast, playlist, or audiobook is a powerful way to deepen the flow state – bringing more value to your ‘me time’. Search for new pods, stories, and tunes that empower and uplift you as you chop, knead, and steam. It’s a nice idea to pair your listening choices to your menu, too! A romantic novel set in the Tuscan hills to accompany a seafood linguine, for example. Or funky Latino sounds as you squeeze limes, chop salsa, and master a marinade for Mexican night… There’s a lot of exploratory fun to be had as you prep.
Work with the seasons
Cooking seasonally can be deeply satisfying. Not only do we get to enjoy food that is brighter, tastier, and more nutritious, we embark on a journey of discovery that connects us to the land and the farming communities that nurture it. Collecting blackberries from hedgerows, heading to a PYO farm in search of pumpkins, carrots, leeks, and apples, foraging for mushrooms, and sharing autumnal recipes with friends – all of these things provide food for the soul, and offer a chance to slow down and gain a real appreciation for food.
Make it social
Whether you’re cooking for loved ones, friends, or the local book club, food is a great excuse to get social and bring people together around the table. Why not invite people to come and cook with you, so you can chat as you chop your way towards something delicious? Or set the table for a fun themed menu with a dress code to match. Whatever the memo, cooking is a powerful way to improve mood, strengthen bonds, and lift each other up in a relaxed, informal and caring space.
An eye on health
Cooking healthy meals is the ultimate expression of self-care. Understanding the benefits of spices, herbs, and ingredients, and how they play a role in your recipes, is an empowering journey of discovery that can have a positive knock-on effect for health and wellbeing. Take your time to research and experiment with ingredients; read cookbooks, chat to fellow food enthusiasts, and test out new recipes to see what you enjoy. It’s all part of a mindful approach to cooking that works hand in hand with seasonal eating.
Set the table
Setting the table (or tablescaping as it’s often referred to) can transform the simple act of eating into a magical, memory-making moment. Pick wildflowers from the garden, and make them into handmade posies for the dinner plates. Foraging for table accessories presents a wonderful way to lean into nature, and enjoy some extra sensory benefits, too. Oranges, greens, and yellows are in abundance in autumn, and provide a mystical backdrop for foods like pumpkin risotto, and sage and squash tortellini. Experiment, be bold, and unleash your inner creativity! The love you put into the process will be felt by everyone around the table.
Step outside your comfort zone
It’s important to remember that recipes are really just ‘guides’. As you gain confidence, you can put your own spin on favourite dishes, or go one step further and create your own. Autumn is a vibrant backdrop for some amazing seasonal ingredients that are fun, nutritious, and rewarding to cook with. And it’s here – in the culinary zone out – where you can find creative expression and a sense of achievement.
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