With everything that is happening in the world today, everyone is shifting to do things that may be uncomfortable. Such as working from home, wearing masks in public, and zooming your loved ones. One of the transitions that may be uncomfortable for many is cooking more at home.

Even though I was raised and I love home cooking, there are times where I experience overwhelm and anxiety at the thought of preparing a meal for myself or my family. Here are the ways I combat the anxiety and overwhelm from home cooking. These tips can help the beginner to the master home chef.

1. Split Up the Cooking Process

   You don't have to grocery shop, prep, cook, and clean all in the same day. Here's how I split up my cooking process:

   • Meal Plan Day

   • Sous Chef Day - Grocery Shop + Prep

   • Chef Day: Cook + Clean After myself.

2. Outsource food shopping

   Using services, such as Instacart, CSA's, and Hungry Harvest can cut on grocery store time, eradicate decision fatigue, eliminate food waste, help local farmers, and help you eat seasonally. For non-perishable food staples, check out online food stores like Thrive Market, Public Goods to keep your fridge and pantry stocked up. This eliminates travel time, energy, and your budget.  

3. Cook simple and staple dishes. Simple is best

   Simple staple dishes include soups, stews, grains, roast veggies, salad, pasta, and one-pot meals. If you are into meal prep, don't be afraid to batch cook.

4. Pre-packaged food is your friend

   Don't be afraid to use frozen or canned foods to speed up your cook time. Sometimes, I don't want to soak and cook grains and beans. So I've bought them premade. I'm not afraid to get premade sauces and jush them up a bit.

5. Make Cooking a sacred ritual.

   Pour yourself a glass of wine, put on some good jams or your favorite podcast, burn some incense, or light a sweet-smelling candle. If you are into spiritual rituals, here are a few rituals you can add to your cooking routine.

   • Burning a Bay Leaf: can help reduce anxiety and is a great alternative to sage when it comes to cleansing your home. Write an intention or wish on the leaf beforehand to bring it to you.

   • Burning a Cinnamon Stick: Great scent and beautiful way to bring luck, prosperity, and love to you.

6. Cook with a loved one.

   Obviously, splitting the tasks can take a load off of you. But it can also create memories, intimacy, and fun.

Here are the 6 ways to ease into home cooking. Have any tips to share? Write them in the comments below!

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