Covid Awareness

LOCKDOWN COOKING

LOCKDOWN COOKING

For the past few weeks during the lockdown, Instagram, family WhatsApp groups, Facebook, etc. are all filled with delicious dishes like pani-puris, pizzas, samosa, momos, cakes, etc. As the coronavirus pandemic spreads, it is creating a scenario of stress and chaos among the people across the world. The onset and spread of Coronavirus have seen the rise in the number of people affected by the disease. This has propelled governments of many countries to take the necessary action of complete lockdown to contain the infection. Millions of people are stuck inside their houses, in the cities which, once, flowed with people, now empty than ever. Our fast-paced lives have come to a halt. Therefore, people are now turning to cooking for entertainment and comfort. Cooking occupies the hands and the mind reliving one of stress and anxiety. It also serves the purpose of passing the hours and feel productive during this lockdown.

Culinary Therapy is a relatively new tool that helps people ease anxiety, restlessness, and worry. It includes cooking and related activities such as planning, preparing meals, growing a garden. It acts as a creative outlet enhancing our mental health. It is a way to channel our worries and anxiety into positive energy, ways to express emotions, and build skills.

Celebrity chef Saransh Goila too began a new initiative during the lockdown. He started a live show every morning cooking, giving tips , recipes etc. His aim is too bring people to cook together and show them that they are not alone isolated in their homes. It becomes a community exercise with food!

How does cooking help us?

1. Cooking helps relieve stress. It becomes meditative when one indulges in kitchen tasks such as chopping and stirring. This is because cooking requires the person to be present in the moment without worrying about the past or future. Their focus is on the task at hand. For people who struggle with negative thoughts and fears, this turns out to be a healthy outlet. It rejuvenates one’s mood.

2. Cooking benefits as therapeutic for people due to the results of their efforts. This is known as “behavioral activation,” which aims to alleviate stress by increasing goal-orientated behavior rather than procrastination. The outcome of the activity ( results in tasty food) gives a sense of accomplishment, thus improving a sense of well-being.

3. Studies have shown that proper nutrition is the key to maintaining brain health. By cooking for oneself, one can be more aware of what one is putting inside their bodies and control the quality of the food.

4. Cooking and baking is found to improve happiness and creativity. Baking attempts to get direct experience of the body and our senses, which acts as a natural antidote to anxiety. The precise steps and measurements involved in baking help people feel more confident and capable.

Right now, no one has any idea when our lives will resume back to normal, back to seeing our friends and family, going to the mall or traveling etc. These times are difficult and especially a burden to our minds. Therefore, finding joy even in small things can become big victories. Cooking may seem like a solo activity. However, it has brought people together by sharing recipes, tips, or calling our grandmothers for their special secret recipes. Everyone is looking for a slice of happiness in these dark times. Thus, cooking is not merely a chore or a mundane task but a form of meditation or physical exercise to relax. Hence, one can enjoy cooking even during the times of global crisis.