Therapeutic Potential

Cooking has therapeutic value physically, cognitively, socially and intra personally. Physically, cooking requires good ROM in shoulders, fingers, wrists, elbow, neck, as well as good overall balance. Adequate muscle strength is needed in upper limbs for lifting, mixing, cutting and chopping. Furthermore, sensory awareness is important in considering safety while dealing with hot and sharp objects.  Cooking lessons may also teach the value of good nutrition, thereby improving overall physical health. As well, cooking requires problem solving through cognitive integration. Cooking can teach and enhance the skills of sequencing, time management, versatility, memory, attention and concentration. Sequencing involves planning, organizing and understanding how and in what order to carry out the required steps. Time management is needed to allow completion of a task within a given time frame. Versatility is important in modifying recipes and techniques once the basic skills are acquired. Concentration is needed, as the complexity of new recipes increases. Attention is important when several tasks are being accomplished at one time. Lastly, memory (long, short term and immediate) are important in remembering the sequence of steps, how to carry them out, time limits, and safety issues, while keeping in mind the end product of the activity. Cooking can develop intra personal skills such as self-esteem, competence, and insight into one's own abilities by providing a sense of accomplishment in creating a satisfying meal. Cooking with others can provide the opportunity develop social skills. Furthermore, cooking enables an individual to expand their social networks by hosting and attending social gatherings such as potlucks, bake sales, etc.