{"id":5858,"date":"2023-07-22T00:48:50","date_gmt":"2023-07-21T17:48:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=5858"},"modified":"2023-07-22T00:48:50","modified_gmt":"2023-07-21T17:48:50","slug":"cooking-stress-is-real-heres-how-to-combat-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=5858","title":{"rendered":"Cooking Stress Is Real\u2014Here&#8217;s How To Combat It"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"drop-cap text-big text-gray\"> <span class=\"drop-cap__first text-dropcap \">C<\/span>ooking can be a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/types-of-hobbies\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/types-of-hobbies\/\">fun and creative hobby<\/a>\u2026but what about when it\u2019s not? When it\u2019s pure anxiety and hassle? FX\u2019s <em>The Bear<\/em> portrays this well, illustrating how cooking can be incredibly stressful and frustrating. A dinging oven and a chaotic sous chef are only part of the equation.<\/div>\n<p>Why else is cooking so nerve-wracking at times, and how the heck can you get a meal on the table despite the circumstances, without screaming at anyone or burning yourself? Chefs and therapists cooked up some explanations and their best tips.<\/p>\n<h2>Why you may feel hot-headed in a hot kitchen<\/h2>\n<h3>You tend to put pressure on yourself to make the perfect meal<\/h3>\n<p>Calling all the perfectionists! \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/types-perfectionism\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/types-perfectionism\/\">People with perfectionist tendencies<\/a> may find cooking stressful because they have such high standards and put a lot of pressure on themselves to meet high expectations,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/bayareacbtcenter.com\/dr-avigail-lev\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/bayareacbtcenter.com\/dr-avigail-lev\/\">Avigail Lev<\/a>, PsyD, founder and director of Bay Area CBT Center. \u201cThe pressure to follow recipes precisely and create flawless dishes can increase stress levels and create anxiety around making mistakes.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Chefs know and validate the struggle. \u201cI have found that the real stress of a professional kitchen lies in oneself,\u201d says Kevin Hoffmann, executive chef at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vinylsteakhouse.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.vinylsteakhouse.com\/\">Vinyl Steakhouse<\/a>. \u201cIt\u2019s not just table 104, 305, and 36 that are causing you stress: It\u2019s being inside your own head thinking about that mistake that causes all the others.\u201d (This can go for your family kitchen, too!)<\/p>\n<h3>You\u2019re making sure you meet everyone\u2019s preferences and needs<\/h3>\n<p>If you\u2019re cooking for other people\u2014or even just yourself\u2014you may know this factor all too well. You have to keep allergies, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/recipes-every-dietary-need\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/recipes-every-dietary-need\/\">dietary needs<\/a>, health conditions, and likes\/dislikes in mind. That can be a lot! Lev believes this can add stress to the cooking process.<\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content \" style=\"\" data-module-init=\"related-content\" data-module-immediate=\"\" v-cloak=\"\">\n<div class=\"related-content__wrapper \" v-cloak=\"\" :class=\"{'is-loaded':isLoaded}\">\n<p> <span class=\"inline pr-6 text-seafoam-dark\">Related Stories<\/span> <\/p>\n<p> <related-content class=\"related-content__links\" parent-article-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/cooking-stress\/\" current-title=\"Does Cooking Stress You Out? Here\u2019s How To Keep Calm in the Kitchen Amidst *Gestures Broadly at Everything*\" current-image=\"Stocksy_txp36c1c9a1KWk300_Small_4868881-425x285.jpg\" v-on:parsely-posts-loaded=\"onPostsLoaded\" start-date=\"2023-01-21\" tag=\"div\" inline-template=\"\" url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/cooking-stress\/\" secret=\"w5ztterVB03LGZJLfXS0hf3EvQBuFFIWew9hmVQxthU\" apikey=\"wellandgood.com\" limit=\"3\"> <\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"related-content__card mb-[10px] sm:mb-[20px]\" :class=\"{'related-content__card--full':posts.length === 1}\" v-for=\"(post, key) in posts\"> <a v-on:click.prevent=\"trackLinkGA($event, key)\" :href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/cooking-stress\/post.url\" data-url-source=\"related-content\" class=\"related-content__link\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"\"> <\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content__card--image bg-tan\" :style=\"{ backgroundImage: 'url(' + post.image_url + ')' }\"> <img :src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/cooking-stress\/post.image_url\" :alt=\"post.title\"\/> <\/div>\n<p> <\/a>  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p> <\/related-content> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<h3>You\u2019re busy with other chores and to-do items<\/h3>\n<p>Cooking is probably one of <em>many <\/em>things you have to do, meaning you may feel rushed to get it done (especially if people are complaining about being hungry).<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDaily responsibilities such as working, parenting, and chores can be consuming throughout the day,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/thriveworks.com\/therapist\/nj\/melissa-albano\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/thriveworks.com\/therapist\/nj\/melissa-albano\">Melissa Albano<\/a>, a licensed clinical social worker with <a href=\"https:\/\/thriveworks.com\/red-bank-counseling\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/thriveworks.com\/red-bank-counseling\/\">Thriveworks<\/a>\u00a0who specializes in coping skills, anxiety, anger management, and stress. \u201cPreparing a meal may often feel like another chore and less of a reward. Finding time in an already busy schedule for shopping and meal planning may also feel like a challenge.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3>Diet culture weasels its way into your mind<\/h3>\n<p>While this challenge can be present for anyone, it may be especially prevalent for people who have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/eating-disorder-resources\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/eating-disorder-resources\/\">struggled with disordered eating<\/a> or body image. \u201cCooking can trigger thoughts and feelings about how food choices may impact their appearance or weight,\u201d Lev explains. \u201cThe pressure to prepare \u2018healthy\u2019 or \u2018low-calorie\u2019 meals can add an additional layer of stress.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Further, after you\u2019ve already planned the menu and are cooking, you may still have lingering <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/food-guilt-survey-general-mills\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/food-guilt-survey-general-mills\/\">food guilt<\/a>. Are you cooking \u201ctoo many\u201d starches and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/cant-digest-vegetables\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/cant-digest-vegetables\/\">&#8220;not enough&#8221; vegetables<\/a>? Are you cooking \u201ctoo much\u201d food in general?<\/p>\n<p>Concerns like those can consume your thoughts. It\u2019s fair to aim for a well-balanced meal, but try to not stress if the meal isn\u2019t perfectly balanced every time. Instead, consider incorporating <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/gentle-nutrition\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/gentle-nutrition\/\">\u201cgentle nutrition,\u201d<\/a> or giving your body nutrients (along with the fun foods it wants) without restricting or micromanaging your food intake.<\/p>\n<h3>You\u2019re juggling the preparation of multiple foods<\/h3>\n<p>Cooking a whole meal or preparing for a party means you may be working with the oven, stove, and microwave all at one time, at different temperatures. No wonder your mind is racing!<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s not making just one dish; it\u2019s cooking a multitude of dishes all perfectly at the same time in concert with other individuals doing the same thing for hours on end,\u201d Hoffmann adds.<\/p>\n<p>Even one dish can cause a lot of distress. \u201cSome recipes can be quite intricate, involving multiple steps, techniques, and ingredients,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/chefkevwinston.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/chefkevwinston.com\/\">Kevin Winston<\/a>, a professional chef. \u201cTrying to follow a complex recipe for the first time can be overwhelming and stressful, especially if you\u2019re not confident in your cooking skills.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>To make matters more difficult, the dishes probably need to finish cooking around the same time. \u201cWhen you\u2019re pressed for time, it can be stressful to ensure that all the components of a meal are cooked and ready to be served simultaneously,\u201d Winston adds.<\/p>\n<h3>The kitchen space is chaotic<\/h3>\n<p>Whether you\u2019re cooking for family or around roommates, you may be trying to prepare a meal in the midst of distractions. This could be attempting to move hot dishes without running into anyone, rushing to finish up with the oven so someone else can use it, or a host of other things. Lev says this can be overwhelming, especially for individuals who might be easily overwhelmed around others, in the kitchen, or during holidays.<\/p>\n<h2>How to cool down while cooking<\/h2>\n<h3>Repeat a calming mantra<\/h3>\n<p>It\u2019s easy to get caught up in the heat of the moment\u2014literally\u2014when preparing a meal. What\u2019s key is not letting it affect your self-image or confidence (as best as you can).<\/p>\n<p>\u201cRepeat <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/mantras-holiday-stress\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/mantras-holiday-stress\/\">soothing phrases<\/a> to yourself during the cognitive process,\u201d Lev suggests. She provides some examples, such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u201cI am doing my best.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cI am taking care of myself through cooking.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cI can handle imperfections.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cIt is normal to feel challenged and overwhelmed at times.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Don\u2019t be afraid of opting for an easier recipe or alternative<\/h3>\n<p>Meals don\u2019t need to be new and fancy. \u201cWhen you\u2019re short on time or feeling stressed, it\u2019s best to stick to recipes you\u2019re comfortable with,\u201d Winston adds. \u201cSave the experimentation for when you have more time and a relaxed mindset.\u201d For <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/easy-kale-salad-recipes\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/easy-kale-salad-recipes\/\">simpler options<\/a>, he suggests one-pot meals, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/lucky-eight-stir-fry\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/lucky-eight-stir-fry\/\">stir fries<\/a>, and sheet-pan dinners.<\/p>\n<p>If you don\u2019t have an ingredient you need, see if a quick Google search can help you find an alternative. \u201cMaybe you started out with a big fancy meal but you ran out of eggs,\u201d says Allison Kent, LCSW, a therapist at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cabobehavioral.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.cabobehavioral.com\/\">Cabo Behavioral<\/a>. \u201cResearching an egg substitute or switching to a simpler meal is likely possible.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3>Try a grounding technique<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ovsjg.dc.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/dc\/sites\/ovsjg\/page_content\/attachments\/TopSecretProjectGroundingTechniques%20%282%29.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/ovsjg.dc.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/dc\/sites\/ovsjg\/page_content\/attachments\/TopSecretProjectGroundingTechniques%20%282%29.pdf\">\u201cGrounding\u201d<\/a> is a way to anchor yourself to the current moment, and it can bring you down from an intense or unpleasant emotional state. Albano shares a couple of techniques you can try, such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Playing into your senses: Noticing the feeling of utensils in your hand, savoring smells, and remaining present in other ways.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/54321-grounding-technique\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/54321-grounding-technique\/\">The 5-4-3-2-1 method<\/a>: Notice five things you hear, four things you see, three things you touch, two things you smell, and one thing you taste.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Keep the kitchen organized<\/h3>\n<p>As a chef, Hoffmann knows all about how important the layout of the kitchen is \u2014 especially when you\u2019re in a rush. \u201cBe organized,\u201d he urges. \u201cKnowing where things are means you don\u2019t have to search for them when you need them.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Maybe that means having items you\u2019ll need quickly in easy reach, putting all the ingredients for one dish together, or ensuring cooking utensils go back on the spoon rest rather than flung across the counter.<\/p>\n<h3>Practice radical acceptance<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/how-to-practice-self-acceptance\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/how-to-practice-self-acceptance\/\">Radical acceptance<\/a> is a skill often discussed in therapy. It is what it sounds like\u2014<a href=\"https:\/\/rightasrain.uwmedicine.org\/mind\/mental-health\/radical-acceptance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/rightasrain.uwmedicine.org\/mind\/mental-health\/radical-acceptance\">accepting reality, even when you don\u2019t like it<\/a>\u2014\u201cthat encourages us to acknowledge that not everything is within our control,\u201d Kent says. \u201cThe more we try to control things, the more often we will be disappointed.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Along these lines, Kent recommends taking accountability for when you mess up part of a meal. \u201cThe blame game only makes the meal more unpleasant,\u201d she says. Further, Albano encourages you to not expect too much from yourself. \u201cIf hosting a holiday, set reasonable expectations,\u201d she says. \u201cNot everyone will be satisfied, and it\u2019s okay.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3>Try to make cooking a fun, creative outlet<\/h3>\n<p>A small mindset reframe may come in handy here. How might the cooking process change if you envision it as an enjoyable activity rather than a chore? Albano recommends making it fun, whether that\u2019s through encouraging friends\/family\/partners to join or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/music-to-listen-to-while-working\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/music-to-listen-to-while-working\/\">playing some good music<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>Delegate and set boundaries<\/h3>\n<p>You don\u2019t have to handle all the meal preparation on your own. It\u2019s okay to share the load! For example, let\u2019s say your kids are getting in the way. Kent recommends giving them an age-appropriate task, such as setting the table, folding napkins, or doing something else that will keep them distracted.<\/p>\n<p>What about times when your spouse won\u2019t leave you alone? See about having that conversation another time. Kent says you can say something like, \u201cI really want to hear more about that meeting with your boss, and I want to give you my undivided attention during dinner. As soon as I am done cooking, I want to hear all the details.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3>Give yourself some perspective<\/h3>\n<p>It\u2019s easy to get caught up in the stress of cooking and feel like you\u2019ll never get it all done. Hoffmann wants to remind you that you can do this. \u201cRemember that sooner or later, service or dinner will end,\u201d he says. \u201cRemember that you love this\u2026Believe in yourself. You might not be the greatest yet. None of us started out great, and we\u2019ve all been there.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div data-type=\"_mgwidget\" data-widget-id=\"1675549\">\r\n<\/div>\r\n<script>(function(w,q){w[q]=w[q]||[];w[q].push([\"_mgc.load\"])})(window,\"_mgq\");\r\n<\/script>\r\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cooking can be a fun and creative hobby\u2026but what about when it\u2019s not? When it\u2019s pure anxiety and hassle? FX\u2019s The Bear portrays this well, illustrating how cooking can be incredibly stressful and frustrating. A dinging oven and a chaotic sous chef are only part of the equation. Why else is cooking so nerve-wracking at &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":5859,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5858","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5858","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=5858"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5858\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/5859"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5858"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5858"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5858"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}