Tips for relaxing while you cook

Tips for relaxing while you cook

by: Marissa Anteby

I can’t take all the credit for this week’s topic. The  inspiration for this article, came to me when I was reading the comments posted last week. In it, I described an at home Tension Releasing Massage you can do for yourself. Maggie, wrote in: “Sounds good, have to try this. Today the aroma of fresh baked challah is (finally) my relaxation.http://thejewishhostess.com/2010/04/an-incredible-30-second-stress-buster/

She touched on something so vital; the act of cooking, lends itself perfectly to taking a moment to inhale slowly and access a place of calm within yourself. To expand upon that theme; really any activity can be utilized as an opportunity to be mindful. Focusing on the task at hand, while simultaneously recognizing what’s going on in your inner world, will cultivate a sense of ease. Checking in with your thoughts and your breathing, can help alleviate stress, both mental and physical. For more information about Mindfulness Training, you can check out a 7-day course I participated in at The Miraval Spa. http://www.miravalresorts.com/The-Experience/Programs-Tracks/Balanced-Living-Programs/Taste-of-Miraval

Maggie’s comment got me thinking; I wonder what other things people do to make their cooking time enjoyable. So, I posed the question to my Indoor Cycling students, and here’s their list of suggestions:

• “Make a shopping list, and go to the supermarket early in the day, so you’ll have all the ingredients you need.” – A. Dweck

• De-clutter your work space before you start to cook. For tips on how to de-clutter click here: http://embodyinc.blogspot.com/2010/04/tips-for-de-cluttering-and-clearing.html



• “Playing music helps me relax, and makes me happy to be in the kitchen, even if it is for hours! The music makes the time go by faster.” – Raquel Mishaan

• “When I’m cooking, I like to clean up as I go along, so the pots don’t pile up. I can stay in the kitchen for as long as needed, because I’m working in a clear environment.” – Violet Cohen

• “Don’t rush cooking your food, you’ll taste the love in it afterward.” – Rachelle Esses
Wow, isn’t that beautiful. Rachelle told me her Mom says that. It’s such a lovely motto to live by. It’s good to remind yourself, that the energy you put in to making your family’s meals is transmitted and truly appreciated.

When your hard work in the kitchen is complete (I know your thinking, “That’s never.”) Do something special for yourself. Sit down and read a book (now you’re really laughing.) Ok, I’ll re-phrase, sit down and read a sentence in a book, before you get interrupted, or go for a walk, meet with a friend, etc.

Sarah Haddad Cheney says, “Women deserve time for themselves. Tell everyone to come to the Spa Day this Wednesday April 21, at the new SCC Spa. There will be all kinds of treatments; SkinDeep skin care products and consultations, chemical peels, hair styling by Momotaro NYC, Thai Yoga Massage, and more.” http://scclive.org/pages/detail/47/-Health-ClubSpa
http://www.momotaro.us/

As always, scroll all the way down to post your comments. I really enjoy reading them, and 1 lucky winner will be chosen from people who comment. The prize is a FREE Thai Yoga Massage from www.embodyinc.com

Marissa Anteby

marissa@embodyinc.com
http://www.embodyinc.com/contact.html

8 Comments so far

Marissa Anteby says:
April 18, 2010 at 1:22 PM
Thanks Sarah, as a Wellness Educator, I do present info on healthy living in all my exercise (Cycle/Pilates/Yoga) classes (in NYC, Bklyn, Deal) see sched 
 http://www.embodyinc.com and blog embodyinc.blogspot.com

Sarah says:
April 18, 2010 at 10:11 AM
Marissa – I look forward to reading your articles each week. You seem to bring being clam & being fit together in the Cycling class you mentioned. Where is it?

Michelle says:
April 17, 2010 at 11:28 PM
I like to think about my husband and children enjoying their favorite dishes. I know my husband will have plenty of praise for me and that makes it allll worth it!

Maggie says:
April 16, 2010 at 2:12 PM
Hey Marissa, I never knew I was so “quotable”, I like the comments about mindful cooking, you can definitely taste the love (that’s the secret ingredient).

Mimi says:
April 16, 2010 at 9:14 AM
I have funny pics hanging in my kitchen of my kids eating. It reminds me who I’m cooking for.

Sarah says:
April 16, 2010 at 9:01 AM

I will think of your words next time I am in the kitchen!
The day Spa Event at The Sephardic Community center will be awesome! I cant wait for a peel and Thai Massage!

Violet says:
April 16, 2010 at 8:09 AM
thanks for posting this article. so many of us get so overwhelmed in the kitchen. these words remind me to work in the moment and enjoy what i’m doing. when cooking is done with love, my family can taste the love.

Marissa Anteby says:
April 16, 2010 at 1:04 AM
SCC & SkinDeep Spa Day – contact Adelaide Khezrie 917-445-3082 to book Skin care treatments, chemical peels, hair appts, Thai Yoga Massage, & more!