Reserving time to sit down to a meal with family or friends can end up at the bottom of your day’s to-do list because everyone seems too busy to take a break, or it takes too much effort to make a plan, let alone cook a meal. Plus, many of us eat on the go or while we work at our desks. However, new research suggests that sharing a meal with those we care about, like family or colleagues, may lower our stress levels, improve our workday, and help us make healthier food choices.
In a report released this week, the American Heart Association (AHA), which surveyed 1,000 U.S. adults about their dining habits, found that almost all parents (91%) say their family is less stressed when they share meals together. Nearly two-thirds (65%) of adults reported being at least somewhat stressed, with 84% wishing they could share a meal with others more often. Overall, respondents reported eating alone roughly half of the time.
Managing chronic stress can help reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. When the body is in a constant fight or flight mode, our stress hormones get activated, and in turn, our blood pressure and heart rate can spike. Mealtimes can be a way to reduce that heightened response and instill a sense of calm.
Shared mealtimes also tend to promote healthier eating habits: 59% of those surveyed said they are more likely to make healthy food choices when eating with others.
The mental health impact of partaking in the simple act of eating together can also help us in the workplace—69% of people who identify as part-time or full-time workers said taking a break to have a meal with a coworker reduces their stress levels.
“We know it’s not always as easy as it sounds to get people together at mealtime. Like other healthy habits, give yourself permission to start small and build from there,” says Michos in the release. “Set a goal to gather friends, family, or coworkers for one more meal together each week. If you can’t get together in person, think about how you can share a meal together over the phone or a computer.”
About a year ago I suggested to my two roommates that we have a “weekly roommate dinner” where each Wednesday, one of us cooks a new recipe for all of us to share around our dining table, which rarely gets used. With our varying schedules, we hadn’t been making the time to sit together and really have a conversation. Now, I look forward to catching up over dinner every week.
