Making Space: The Hidden Ingredient in a Calm Kitchen
A simple cooking ritual that creates more room for joy, connection, and clarity
There’s something deeply satisfying about cooking a big meal - chopping, sautéing, stirring, and tasting until it all comes together on the plate.
But what about the aftermath?
The mountain of dirty dishes, the splatters on the stove, the cluttered countertops - it’s enough to make anyone dread the cleanup.
Yet, what if I told you that the secret to a more enjoyable cooking experience - and a more peaceful life - lies in one simple habit: clean as you go?
As you move from one step to the next, taking a moment to rinse that cutting board, wipe down the counter, or toss out scraps can make all the difference.
When you finally sit down to enjoy your meal, the kitchen is already tidy, and you’re free to relax. This small, mindful practice keeps the chaos at bay and makes the entire process smoother and more enjoyable.
But this principle isn’t just about keeping your kitchen clean. It’s a powerful lesson for life.
Just as we deal with messes in the kitchen before they spiral out of control, we should also tackle life’s challenges as they arise. It’s easy to let little issues pile up, thinking we’ll handle them later. But as the clutter accumulates, so does the stress.
By addressing problems as they come, whether it’s a difficult conversation, a task you’ve been avoiding, or even just clearing out mental clutter, you keep your life in order and your mind at ease.
So, next time you’re whipping up a meal, try cleaning as you go.
Notice how it changes the energy in your kitchen and lightens the load.
Then, take that lesson beyond the kitchen.
In doing so, you’ll find more space, more peace, and more joy in your everyday life.
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Cooking Therapy pioneer Debra Borden, LCSW, is the author of four books, including Cooking As Therapy - How to Improve Mental Health Through Cooking. Learn more here about her writing journey, how she became known as The Sous Therapist, and the stories that shape her work.