The Benefits of Eating at the Table

"Sometimes, the simplest of things have the largest impact on our lives. We worry so much about living good lives and being successful, happy, and productive people that we go to great and complex lengths to try to achieve these goals. But sometimes it's the simple, daily habits that can have the largest impact, and today we are going to talk about eating, specifically the valuable opportunities and outcomes associated with eating at the table."

"Eating. We all do it regularly, and yes, that is because we have to. But we all know food is more than nourishment for performance and survival. Cooking conveys love and caring; specific foods are key in many celebrations; there are foods to eat when you are under the weather or to comfort you when you are stressed. You get the idea: Food is so much more than its nutritional components."

"Eating with your family members, your roommate, new friends, old friends, co-workers, or others is a social occasion that spurs connection and community and is paired with a strong positive behavioral reinforcer. (Food!) Social connectedness is key to our emotional health and our sense of belonging. A routine meal at a table with others is literally a powerful mental health strategy. Obviously, this benefit is most effective when there are no phones/tablets at the table."

Simple daily habits like eating meals at a table can produce large effects on relationships, wellbeing, and health. Food functions as nourishment and as an emotional, cultural, and caregiving signal during celebrations, illness, and stress. Shared meals create social bonding and a sense of belonging reinforced by positive associations with food. Eating together without devices supports emotional health and community. Family mealtimes provide opportunities to teach manners, cooperation, waiting, turn-taking, and sharing. Practicing gratitude at meals correlates with improved physical and mental health and helps focus attention on important priorities.

Read at Psychology Today