Ways to Cook for Stress Release

During our extended time spent at home, cooking can help with focus and creativity to release stress. Even for individuals not excited about the process, cooking will reveal a fun coping mechanism. Just consider the possibilities.

Dr. Mary McNaughton-Cassil, a clinical psychologist and professor of psychology at the University of Texas, San Antonio, suggests if we allow ourselves to become creative, adding flavor, changing color, forming shapes, then the sensory triggers happen. 

"The smell of spices and vanilla are comforting, and they often remind us of happy times. Olfactory scents are particularly linked to areas of the brain that involve emotions and memory. Mixing inert substances together and watching them rise can bright out the mystic, or the chemist, in all of us," Dr. Mary claims.

"There is a rhythm or pattern to baking that can lead to a mindful state," she says.

" . . . baking chases bad thoughts away because you have to focus on making sure you measure your ingredients."

I have discovered with cooking that requires an assemblage of ingredients, the measuring and mixing buoys my mood.

The creative part of tasting and adding additional ingredients for texture entertains me.

I feel inspired to add nuances to the original recipe.

I encourage everyone to try cooking to move into mindfulness.

Start with a simple recipe. Vary your ingredients, textures, and spices.

Here's a start:

A Designer's Delight

l can  5 oz tuna drained or a cooked cubed chicken breast 

l can cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup

3 cups cooked macaroni or a noodle choice

l cup cheese

l 1/2 cups of fried onions or crushed chips for topping

1 cup apple bits or celery pieces

Mix ingredients and add cheese.
Cook 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until bubbly.
Add topping and cook a few minutes more.

NOW

Add your creativity.

How about including almonds, broccoli bits, or spinach?

Consider shrimp as the protein.

Maybe mix in cranberries?

You will feel a rush of pride and exhilaration to end any cranky mood.

Taste the Delight.