One quarter of Americans say they’re stressed most of the time. However, a recent survey reveals eight out of 10 people who regularly cook use food as a way to comfort themselves following a stressful day. And 65% will use food as a way to comfort others
In this ever-changing and stressful world, many are looking for balance and peace in life, with mental health being a top concern. According to one study commissioned by Noom, cooking at home can relieve stress.
Many people are feeling the effects of rising stress levels. Whether it’s due to politics, family drama, work stress, loneliness, or the mental stress of getting through the day, getting into the kitchen to cook a meal can help reduce stress levels.
OnePoll surveyed 2,000 American cooks to discover some intriguing insights into the effects of making a home-cooked meal.
Mental health was a top priority for 89% of those polled. 80% of respondents report using food as a form of self-comfort after a stressful day.
Cooking as a Stress Reliever
High up on the relief scale was the act of cooking itself. 78% of poll participants reported finding the act of cooking to be a calming activity. Cooking topped the list of all possible stress-relieving activities at a whopping 65%.
Stress Triggers and Mental Health Priorities
With the primary source of stress being work, it’s no wonder cooking a meal after a hard day is a go-to source of comfort. 40% reported that work was their primary source of stress, while 32% reported being stressed by their to-do list.
This data offers valuable insight into what triggers stress and highlights the need for effective coping mechanisms, such as cooking a meal at home.
“It’s easy to find a task like cooking to be therapeutic and relaxing,” says Dr. Andreas Michaelides, Ph.D., chief of psychology at Noom. “It’s a way to focus on a singular task, practice reflection, and create something positive that nourishes you and makes you feel good.”
Beyond the Kitchen: Cooking Isn’t the Only Option for Stress Relief
While cooking took the lead in stress-reducing activities, the study also points out other stress control methods. 35% of those polled report reduced stress levels when listening to music. 34% said watching TV helped reduce stress, and 34% stated that taking a shower or bath did the trick.
Stressed? Watch TikTok
Surprisingly, respondents indicated that the act of cooking wasn’t entirely necessary. Watching cooking videos on social media has a similar stress-reducing effect. 85% reported that watching cooking videos significantly positively affected their mental health, while a third of participants used food-related media to relax before bed.
Embracing Your Inner Chef for Better Self-Care
The overall impact of this study could be far-reaching for the average person. With the cost of dining out rising exponentially, cooking at home could also relieve some financial stress.
Creating meals at home is an activity that nourishes both the body and soul. The act of cooking is the act of caring for one’s self at the most basic level. This, in turn, can ease stress and help to calm the mind at the end of a difficult day.
What Foods Ease Stress the Most?
While some foods can help reduce stress, most respondents turned to what most consider comfort foods.
While not surprising, ice cream came in at 34% as a top choice for relieving stress. That creamy goodness calms people down after a long, hard day.
Pizza was the next top choice for 31% of those polled. All that cheesy goodness seems to soothe our stress.
Pasta was third in line at 24%. While cheese stress relief is a top choice, a saucy component also helps do the trick.
Burgers came in in fourth place. A big, juicy burger is what 22% of those polled find stress relieving.
In fifth place was the grilled cheese sandwich. 19% of those polled said that a grilled cheese sandwich is what they turn to when life gets tough.
Encouraging Healthy Habits
While it’s easy to make a trip through the drive-through after a long day, cooking at home is far healthier. Making simple foods from scratch can be as easy as opening a box of prepared food.
Emphasizing cooking healthier foods can help people cope with stress in another way. While food provides comfort, eating the right foods makes people feel better overall, contributing to less anxiety and better mental health.
Just Cook Something
Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. Hours spent in the kitchen are a thing of the past for most people. Keeping meals simple using minimal ingredients and plenty of spices will provide a meal that is easy to make and appreciated by all.
This seemingly small act of self-care can go a long way to balancing mental health. Cooking may be a calming experience for many, but cooking healthier foods brings it full circle by encouraging better overall health. Don’t stress, cook something.