It’s 6 PM, and you’re standing in the kitchen. Your brain is still racing from the hectic workday, and your stomach is rumbling. Before you reach for the take-out menu or the microwave, take a minute to be more mindful about how you nourish your body.

Cooking and Eating on Autopilot

We’re all guilty of occasionally viewing meals as interruptions to our day. You rush from work to the supermarket, then make dinner in between answering e-mails and checking your agenda for the following day. Then, when it’s time to eat, it’s tempting to dine with your smartphone close by to catch up on social media or to finish up things you couldn’t get done at work earlier.

Cook with Soul instead

The essence of cooking soulfully is slowing down and taking the time to prepare a delicious and healthy meal. One that will keep your systems running while still satisfying and delighting you. This is best done by choosing local, seasonal ingredients rich in nutrients, like plenty of vegetables and/or lean proteins. Take the time to develop cooking skills and learn from your kitchen successes and mishaps; it’s a process.

Meditate while Working Your Kitchen Magic

We are all very aware of the benefits of meditation, and as you may know by now, you can meditate anywhere, including the kitchen. All meditation essentially means is shutting out distractions and living in the moment, and cooking is a great way to do this. Let the day’s hectic activities slowly fade from your memory and simply be present.

Elevate a Daily Chore to a Soulful Ritual

Cooking shouldn’t just be something you do every day to keep you from fainting from hunger. In fact, it can be a treat for all the senses. Rather than going through the motions on autopilot and hurrying towards the end result, take a minute to experience the sights, smells, and textures of meal preparation. Doesn’t the garlic and onion smell heavenly when it hits the warm olive oil? Listen to that sizzle when you turn the chicken breast over in the pan. Being mindful of these small moments of pleasure adds so much to your daily routine and is a big part of the soulful kitchen.