Some health care professionals are taking the "food is medicine" mantra to a new level. According to the Wall Street Journal, counselors are now using "cooking or baking as therapy tools" for people suffering from mental-health problems like depression and anxiety. Patients — who often live "tough, chaotic lives" — are enrolled in classes that teach them healthy cooking and eating skills. Counselors tell the WSJ that the cooking classes, often held at local culinary schools, also "soothe stress, build self-esteem and curb negative thinking by focusing the mind on following a recipe."
Psychologists believe that cooking and baking are therapeutic because they fit a type of therapy known as "behavioral activation." These activities alleviate depression by "increasing goal oriented behavior and curbing procrastination." Thus, the person engaging in the activity feels rewarded and accomplished, especially if they share the food. While there haven't been many studies conducted noting the effects of baking and cooking, one study did find that baking classes boosted confidence and increased concentration for those involved in the study."
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