The Surprising Science of Cooking with Friends (And Why Your Nervous System Loves It)

Alright, let’s be real for a second—cooking with friends is so much more than just chopping veggies and swapping recipes. It’s like a reset button for your entire nervous system, and there’s some real science to back that up.

When you’re in the kitchen with your crew—laughing, telling stories, and maybe even messing up the recipe—it’s not just good vibes. It’s actually giving your nervous system a huge sigh of relief. The act of cooking together releases oxytocin, the “feel-good” hormone that helps you feel safe and connected. Plus, it fires up your vagus nerve, which helps calm your heart rate and lowers stress. So yeah, kitchen therapy is real.

And because it’s Pride Month, let’s not forget the power of your chosen family. Those are the people who see you, celebrate you, and remind you that you’re never alone. Gathering around a homemade meal with them? That’s a recipe for feeling nourished on every level—body, mind, and soul.

So next time you’re tempted to order takeout solo, consider calling a friend over instead. Put on some music, chop those veggies together, and let your kitchen become your healing space. Because when it comes to feeling safe, connected, and calm—it’s not just what’s on the plate that matters. It’s who you’re sharing it with.