Mental health benefits

Reduces anxiety and stress: The focused, sensory nature of cooking can act as a form of mindfulness, grounding individuals in the present moment and reducing rumination. 

Cooking also Boosts self-esteem: Successfully preparing a meal can lead to a significant boost in self-esteem and confidence. 

Provides a sense of control: Following a recipe can provide structure and a sense of control in a chaotic world. 

Encourages socialization: Community-based cooking programs have been shown to improve socialization and quality of life. 

Establishes routine: Cooking can help individuals build a healthy daily routine, which is beneficial for mental health, particularly for conditions like bipolar disorder. 
 
Research suggests that Culinary Therapy: Can be A therapeutic technique that uses cooking, food, and gastronomy to address emotional and psychological problems. According to social cognitive theory, individuals learn a behavior through observation and modeling, and behaviors that are positively reinforced are likely to be repeated (Bandura, 2004). Universal features of human food and nutrition systems include both cooking and social exchange of food (Bogin, 1998). Because cooking requires integration of cognitive, physical, and socioemotional processes, and learning to cook involves modeling and the mastery of skills, social cognitive theory might explain why a successful food system that relies on cooking would benefit from activity that promotes positive mood, self-confidence, and self-esteem in order to promote exchange of food and ideas. Indeed, some research exists to support the idea that cooking may improve socialization and other physical and mental health outcomes. Community kitchen programs have shown that cooking groups may help foster socialization and improve social isolation.