Is cooking dinner really a form of therapy? 

It might seem straightforward that we cook to eat, after all, it is a basic human need. But, that might not be the only reason we spend time in the kitchen. 

Many healthcare professionals argue that cooking has therapeutic benefits. The Wall Street Journal reported that counselors are using cooking or baking as therapy tools to treat those suffering from depression and anxiety. The therapy takes place in classes where participants learn healthy cooking and eating skills. Additionally, the unconventional practice is reported to soothe stress and distract patients from negative thoughts. 

The psychology behind exactly how cooking affects individuals varies from person to person. According to Eater, a deep sense of accomplishment comes along with the cooking process. They report making meals to fit into a type of therapy known as ‘behavioral activation’.

What is behavioral activation? According to the publication, It’s a fancy way of saying goal-oriented behavior and the avoidance of procrastination. Because making a meal is typically a continuous experience, it is efficient in that sense. You can’t start dinner in the evening and finish in the morning – you have to follow through till you have a plate in front of you. Regardless of your culinary skills, the activity forces you to finish something. 

The drawback of this therapeutic technique has been found to be overindulgence. Patients involved in cooking and baking therapy are warned to stick to healthy recipes. If portion control and healthy choices are thrown out the window, unwanted weight gain is a possibility. Other issues sprout up from there, as obesity has been linked to an increased risk of depression.

While making a healthy meal won’t fix all your problems – it can definitely put you in the right headspace for a good day.

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