Every little bit helps when it comes to reducing back-to-school stress. In the kitchen, well-planned menus, must-haves and shortcuts to help save time on busy evenings are key strategies to lighten the mental load. Here are our tips for surviving the season with ease.
Prioritize Organization
Unpredictability and a sense of loss of control are huge sources of stress in the kitchen, especially on weekdays when time is short and expectations are high. Not knowing ahead of time what you’re going to cook, running out of ingredients midway through a recipe or being constantly interrupted can affect your concentration and create tension.
Since going in without a plan can lead to mental strain and the pressure of last-minute decisions, making cooking a source of frustration, the solution is to get organized. Formulating a plan of action will instantly help you restore a sense of control and make meal prep easier and more enjoyable.
Aim at Efficiency
When things get heated, the antidote is efficiency. Taking on some simple weekday habits can make all the difference and turn meal preparation into an easy—even fun!—task. Try these tips:
- read the entire recipe before starting
- make sure you have all the ingredients on hand
- keep your work surfaces clear and clean
- take out the necessary equipment ahead of time
Create a Comfortable Space
Creating a pleasant, comfortable environment will help reduce anxiety. You can easily turn your kitchen into a haven by tweaking a few details. Try creating soft and purposeful lighting, keeping your space tidy, and putting on some soothing background music. These simple measures will allow you to cook in a more relaxed state of mind and better enjoy the moment, even when you’re pressed for time.
Establish New Rituals
Because trying new recipes you’ve never tested before is more stressful than cooking dishes you’re used to, preparing family favourites is usually a surer bet than breaking new ground. But since adding variety to your menu is also a goal, find a happy medium by establishing tried-and-tested weekly rituals. They’ll keep your ideas fresh without too much effort. Try adopting a weekly schedule like this:
- Meatless Mondays
- Pasta Tuesdays
- Discovery or thematic Wednesdays
- Leftover Thursdays
- Comfort food Fridays
Involve Your Kids
Giving your kids small, achievable tasks like choosing their snacks, prepping their lunch boxes, washing veggies or setting the table is sure to make them feel valued and proud to contribute. It’s a win-win way to empower them and develop their independence. These shared moments are also opportunities for learning and bonding, with the added benefit of lightening your mental load.
Keep Must-Haves on Hand
Basic ingredients are allies that can save the day on busy evenings. Our list of essentials includes fresh products like eggs and milk, as well as frozen products like frozen vegetables. And let’s not forget the pantry staples:
- pasta
- canned tuna
- canned legumes
- dry goods (rice, quinoa, couscous, oats, etc.)
- ready-made sauces
- jarred vegetables
- coconut milk
Keeping these essentials on hand will allow you to react to the unexpected and improvise meals without having to go to the grocery store.
Take the Pressure off Homemade Snacks
When everyday life gets overwhelming, you shouldn’t feel guilty about choosing store-bought snacks, ideally favouring healthier and more convenient options. These include:
- No-sugar-added fruit purées
- Mixed nuts and dried fruit
- Energy bars made from simple ingredients
- Pre-portioned cheese
- Whole grain crackers
