Wanting to practice more mindfulness at home? Mindfulness Etc. offers a guide to mindful cooking as a form of relaxation and stress relief.
You may already practice some form of meditation - but did you know mindfulness can extend to every daily action, including cooking?
To help you bring higher levels of consciousness to your kitchen, the team at Mindfulness Etc. gives you tips for mindful food preparation.
The organization's guide covers the theoretical principles behind mindful cooking, physical and mental benefits, techniques for mindful cooking and eating, and the connection to sustainability.
Check it out at https://mindfulnessetc.com/mindful-cooking
As mindfulness continues to gain greater recognition for its beneficial properties, the guide from Mindfulness Etc. is the latest installment in the organization’s series of articles on how to incorporate simple meditation opportunities into your everyday life, for greater wellness.
Research published in the Journal of Cognitive Enhancement shows that mindful eating and cooking help people to bring greater awareness to their relationship with food, allowing for a healthier, more embodied approach that contributes to reduced stress and anxiety levels. The guide from Mindfulness Etc. provides context and background to this practice, alongside practical tips for real-world application in your regular routine. “Mindful cooking involves being present and fully engaged in the process of preparing, cooking, and eating food,” says a representative. “It’s about slowing down, paying attention to your senses, and approaching each step with care and intention.”
The Mindful Etc. team offers a step-by-step analysis for each step in the mindful cooking process, including grocery shopping and selecting ingredients. These include intentional considerations of quality, freshness, and nutritional value when you pick out produce and other items.
You'll also find guidance on food preparation, throughout which you are urged to immerse yourself consciously in each cooking action - such as chopping vegetables or stirring soup - with a focus on your breath and an appreciation of all five senses - touch, taste, sight, hearing, and smell.
The guide includes tips on how you can practice embodiment as part of mindful cooking, noticing temperature, sound, aroma, and internal feelings that may arise on a physical or emotional level. A spokesperson says, “By approaching cooking in this way, you’ll not only create delicious meals, but also find joy and satisfaction in every step of the process.”
Finally, you'll find techniques for mindful eating and how to bring a strong sense of presence to the process of consuming food, once it has been prepared. Tips include taking small bites, chewing slowly, noticing texture and taste, and becoming aware of any sensations or emotions that arise for you.
You can become a mindful cook with guidance from the friendly folks at Mindfulness Etc.!
Learn more at https://mindfulnessetc.com
