Therapeutic benefits of cooking include: 

Improving how we follow instructions

Example: Many recipes require a lot of patience as there are many steps to follow. If you rush while you cook, you can often get the recipe wrong or miss an important step. Practicing patience in the kitchen is a great way to practice being calm and slow in everyday life. When we do this, the result is almost always positive. Cooking requires us to flex our communication muscles and be clear about what we need. You might need to ask someone to grab a plate from a high shelf or something from the fridge.  
 

Encouraging us to do things on our own

Example: Cooking requires some independence and allows us to make important decisions about what we want to eat and how we want things to taste. Making decisions about this is important and can encourage us to think about what we want in everyday life as well.
 

Encouraging positive hygiene (washing our hands and cleaning up after each other)

Example: When you cook, you must keep clean to avoid germs and cross-infection. It’s important to wash your hands before you start cooking so that you, but also the people you cook for, don’t get sick. Encouraging us to be healthy and decide what we put in our bodies is a great step towards independence and allows us to think about our health.  

Encouraging a sense of accomplishment once we have finished a meal and can share with our family and friends

Example: When we complete a yummy meal and share it with our family and friends, it is a great achievement. Watching people enjoy what we cook is a great boost for our confidence and self-esteem. 

Using fine motor skills

Example: Chopping, mincing, sifting and grating is a great way to use our fine motor skills. Practicing precise movements not only helps us focus, but also supports muscle strength.