How Cooking and Connection Go Hand-in-Hand
Plus, Microsteps to help you find joy and strengthen your relationships through cooking.
Cooking isn’t just about the food we’re eating. It’s about making memories and sharing moments of joy with the people we love. When we cook with family or friends, we’re not only making delicious meals, but we’re also sharing laughter, stories, and love.
Here are some Microsteps to help you find joy and connection while cooking:
Look through a cookbook with someone else and pick one recipe to cook together. Find something that looks delicious to both of you, and prepare a nutritious meal while catching up and having fun.
Put your phone away when you’re cooking and eating with others. Avoiding digital distractions allows you to be fully present and better connect with your family and friends.
Put on some music while you cook. Whether you want your prep time to be relaxing or upbeat, music helps set the vibe.
Set the table as a family. Before you start cooking, work together to set the table. It’s a small task that makes mealtime feel special and shows that you’re a team. It’s also a great way to get kids involved in dinnertime!
Divide up tasks to everyone in the family. Everyone can help in the kitchen, no matter how big or small. Assign different jobs like chopping veggies, stirring sauces, or setting timers. It’s fun to work together and makes the cooking process faster.
Share a story while you’re cooking. Take this time to share stories about your day or funny memories. Cooking time is perfect for chatting and bonding.
Invite a friend to go grocery shopping together. You might not think of the supermarket as the best place to hang out, but grocery shopping with a friend can be a great way to make the experience more fun and give each other tips about shopping on a budget.
Repeat the motto “low and slow” while you’re prepping a meal. Not only does cooking on low heat help bring out the nutrients in our food, but it also allows us to take our time and use cooking as a way to slow down and connect with ourselves.
If you’re cooking solo, send a picture of your final creation to a friend. Sharing a photo of your dish can be a great way to share the experience with someone else and inspire one another to cook delicious meals.
At the dinner table, ask each person to share one great thing from their day. This exercise is a simple way to bond as a group and share moments of joy during your meal.