How do you heal after divorce? There are so many ways. Therapy, meditation, time, and more. But I want to share an unconventional tool to help you not only heal after divorce, but to rebuild your confidence and joy, and to regain your sense of self.
During divorce, finding grounding activities is essential, and that included cooking. Cooking offers a beautiful, nourishing way to reconnect with yourself. It’s so much more than just preparing food. It’s a healing tool in the sense that it’s an act of self-care, creativity, and empowerment. From the soothing process of chopping vegetables to the sensory delight of simmering herbs, cooking has the potential to transform your post-divorce journey.
Here’s how cooking can help you heal in divorce and find joy:
Cooking as Meditation: A Path to Peace and Presence
Cooking is actually an active meditation, allowing you to focus fully and completely on the task at hand. Cooking provides a peaceful escape, offering a space where you can ground yourself in the present. Focusing on tasks like slicing vegetables, stirring sauces, or plating a dish allows your mind to rest. You experience a form of active meditation, where you’re in the moment with your senses, from the smell of fresh herbs to the sound of ingredients sizzling in the pan. This mindful practice quiets the noise of your thoughts, get you out of your head, and transforms toxicity to tranquility into your body.
Rebuilding Confidence Through Productivity
The Journal of Positive Psychology found that people who engage in small, creative tasks like cooking or baking report feeling more enthusiastic and accomplished the next day. In fact, 79% of participants said they felt more productive!
Cooking offers an immediate, tangible way to regain a sense of agency in your life. Unlike going through a divorce, which can make you feel helpless at times because of lack of control, cooking allows you full control over your choices in the kitchen—what to make, how to season, and how to present the meal. Each time you prepare a dish, you’re practicing decision-making, creativity, and resourcefulness.
As you cook more, your confidence will grow. Each successful meal reinforces that you are capable, resilient, and able to care for yourself. This mindset transfers into every day life. And when you add healthy food into the equation, this act of self-nourishment becomes even more powerful.
Moreover, when you’re cooking you are adding more health into your life. There’s no better way to heal after divorce than to empower yourself! My specialty is creating recipes that combine nutritious whole foods with bold flavors. It makes health feel CRAVE-worthy! Not only does flavorful food excite your senses, but it also supports your body in feeling vibrant and energized.
