5 Reasons Why Cooking BBQ Is Relaxing

There is something special about firing up the smoker on a warm summer day. When we decided to dust your favorite BBQ seasoning on a piece of meat and smoke it, it is very relaxing!

When you starting with the meat preparation, firing up the smoker, and the smell of the smoke in the air. This is setting the stage for a stress releasing day of cooking.

If you are a newbie or a seasoned pitmaster, here are five reasons why cooking BBQ can reduce your stress!

1. It Gets You Outdoors and Into Nature

Cooking BBQ gives you an excuse to get outside. This could be in your backyard, a park, or a campsite. Simply getting out of the kitchen and going outside can do wonders for your mental health.

According to a study by the University of Michigan, spending just 20 minutes in nature can lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone, by up to 21%.

Smoking meat lets you soak up that calming outdoor vibe while you are tending to those babyback ribs. It’s a simple, natural way to unwind and recharge, all while preparing something tasty.

2. The BBQ Process Itself Relaxing

There is a soothing rhythm to BBQing, from seasoning the meat, stoking the fire, and watching the smoker do its magic.

This hands-on cooking process encourages you to slow down and focus. It turns it into a meditative escape from daily chaos.

Research from the American Psychological Association shows that engaging in hobbies like cooking can boost mental well-being by providing a sense of purpose and relaxation.

BBQing, with its deliberate pace and attention to detail, offers a mindful break that can ease anxiety and leave you feeling centered.

3. BBQ is Relaxing by Bringing People Together

BBQ is rarely a solo activity, it is a social event that draws friends, family, or neighbors to share in the meal.

These gatherings will lift your spirits and help to relieve stress. The Mayo Clinic found that strong social connections can reduce anxiety and depression, and even increase your lifespan by up to 50%.

Whether you’re laughing over a cold drink or swapping grilling tips, cooking BBQ fosters bonds that make you feel supported and relaxed.

It’s a reminder to all of us that good company can be just as nourishing as the food itself!

4. The Senses Get a Soothing Workout

Few things are as comforting as the sensory symphony of BBQ: the BBQ seasoning brining the meat, the crackle of the fire, and that smoky aroma filling the air!

These sights, sounds, and smells can trigger a deep sense of calm and nostalgia.

A study published in Nature found that natural sounds, like those from an outdoor grill, can lower stress levels and promote relaxation.

The sights and sounds of BBQing can tap into something primal, offering a multisensory retreat from the hustle of everyday life.

5. Mastering It Feels Rewarding

There’s a quiet thrill in nailing a new BBQ technique. I have experienced this recently when I smoked a pork butt. I thought my homemade BBQ rub was pretty good, but then I tried Butcher BBQ Honey Rub.

The family really liked the sweet honey profile from this rub. I also cooked the pork butt so it was so tender and just absolutely amazing!

Ok, back to that rewarding BBQ feeling! This sense of mastery can boost your mood and calm your mind.

A study by the University of California, Berkeley, revealed that learning and mastering new skills can enhance self-esteem and reduce stress.

BBQing offers endless room to grow by experimenting with BBQ rubs, woods, or different cookers. This will help make every BBQ session a relaxing success!

In Conclusion

I’ll never forget a summer evening when I was grilling burgers for my family as the sun dipped low. The kids were running around, the charcoal scent filled the air, and for a moment, everything felt perfectly peaceful.

That’s the magic of BBQ, it’s not just about the food; it’s about the whole experience. From the stress-busting power of nature to the joy of connecting with loved ones, cooking BBQ is a holistic way to relax and recharge.

So, the next time you light the pit, savor the process. It’s good for your body, your soul, and maybe even your lifespan!

Share with us in the comments below about your recent experience with a relaxing BBQ experience!