Commensality, or the act of eating in the company of others, is a fundamental practice in the social life of human beings. Throughout history, sharing food has been an act of connection, celebration, and social cohesion across cultures. However, commensality goes beyond simply feeding in company; It has deep psychological implications that influence our relationships, emotions and behaviors. In this article, we will explore the importance of commensality from a psychological perspective and analyze how it affects our mental health and emotional well-being.
Commensality as a Factor of Collectiveness
In most cultures, sharing a meal with others goes beyond meeting a basic food need. Commensality is a social act that fosters collectivity and strengthens ties between people. During a shared meal, a space for interaction and communication is established that encourages coexistence and the exchange of experiences.
This sense of collectivity that is generated by sharing food can have a significant impact on our mental health. The feeling of belonging to a group, the feeling of social support and the emotional connection created during a shared meal contribute to improving our psychological well-being. Studies have shown that people who maintain a strong social network and participate in commensality activities tend to experience lower levels of anxiety, depression, and loneliness.
The Role of Communication in Commensality
Communication plays a fundamental role in the experience of commensality. During a shared meal, we not only nourish ourselves physically, but we also nourish ourselves emotionally through interactions with others. The conversation, laughter, facial expressions and eye contact established at the table contribute to creating an atmosphere of connection and complicity among diners.
In addition, communication during meals can have an effect therapeutic in our emotional health. Sharing our thoughts, emotions, and concerns with others while sharing a meal can help us feel heard, understood, and supported. Establishing this type of open and sincere communication in an environment of commensality can strengthen our interpersonal relationships and promote greater empathy and mutual understanding.
Commensality and Mental Health
The relationship between Commensality and mental health have been the subject of interest for many psychology researchers. Studies have shown that people who regularly eat in the company of others tend to experience significant psychological benefits compared to those who eat alone. Some of the positive effects of commensality on mental health include:
Reduction in Stress and Anxiety
Sharing a meal with others can act as a stress and anxiety reduction mechanism. anxiety. During a shared meal, hormones such as oxytocin, known as the "love hormone", are released, which promote a feeling of well-being and calm. Additionally, the act of socializing and enjoying the company of others can distract us from our worries and help us relax, thus reducing levels of stress and anxiety.
Improved Mood
Commensality can also have a positive impact on our mood. The act of sharing a meal with friends or family can stimulate the release of endorphins, neurotransmitters associated with feelings of happiness and well-being. In addition, enjoying a tasty meal in good company can increase our satisfaction and pleasure, which contributes to improving our mood and our perception of life in general.
Promotion of Self-esteem and Confidence
Commensality can be a space where self-esteem and self-confidence are fostered. By sharing a meal with others, we receive positive social feedback, such as praise, recognition, and emotional support, which can strengthen our perception of worth and competence. Additionally, the act of socializing and engaging in stimulating conversations can help us develop social skills, improve our communication skills, and strengthen our interpersonal relationships.
Impact of Commensality on Interpersonal Relationships
Commensality plays a crucial role in building and maintaining healthy and satisfying interpersonal relationships. Sharing food with others not only nourishes us physically, but it also nourishes our relationships, creating a space of intimacy, trust, and emotional connection. Some of the benefits that commensality brings to our interpersonal relationships include:
Fostering Empathy and Understanding
Sharing a meal with others gives us the opportunity to put ourselves in the person's shoes. another, practicing empathy and understanding towards the experiences and perspectives of others. During a shared meal, we listen, share and relate to others in a deeper and more meaningful way, which promotes empathy, tolerance and mutual respect in our interpersonal relationships.
Creating Memories and Emotional Bonds
Shared meals are moments of celebration and coexistence that allow us to create memories and emotional bonds with our loved ones. Whether on special occasions or on a daily basis, sharing a meal with friends and family gives us the opportunity to strengthen emotional ties, remember significant moments and build a shared history that enriches our interpersonal relationships.
Promotion of Communication and Intimacy
Commensality is a favorable scenario for open, sincere and empathetic communication between diners. During a shared meal, a space of trust and closeness is established that encourages the expression of thoughts, emotions and concerns in an authentic way. This communicative exchange promotes emotional intimacy and strengthens emotional ties between participants.
Conclusion
In short, commensality is not only an act of sharing food, but it is also a powerful tool to promote mental health, strengthen our interpersonal relationships and improve our emotional well-being. By engaging in commensality activities regularly and consciously, we can experience significant psychological benefits that help us feel more connected, supported and happy in our lives.
Therefore, it is important to value and encourage the practice of commensality. commensality in our daily lives, seeking opportunities to share food with friends, family and loved ones. Through commensality, we can nourish our minds, our hearts, and our souls, thereby strengthening our mental health and cultivating more meaningful and satisfying interpersonal relationships.