"I like to cook, but mostly Greek. When I am confused or tired, I think about what I can cook. It takes you away from everything, as you are thinking only of your dish"

Cooking can become more than just a practical activity to prepare meals; it transforms into a form of refuge and creative expression. Nana Mouskouri expresses a deep personal connection with the act of cooking, particularly with the food of her cultural roots. The emphasis on Greek cuisine highlights how preparing and savoring familiar flavors can evoke nostalgia, comfort, and a sense of identity. When life becomes overwhelming or draining, turning to an activity associated with comfort and creativity like cooking provides not only distraction but also nourishment on an emotional level.

The process of cooking demands attention, presence, and often inspires a mindful state. When confusion or tiredness sets in, focusing on the steps of preparing a dish redirects mental energy. Planning ingredients, measuring, stirring, tasting, and adjusting flavors require a kind of concentration that pulls attention away from worries and stressors. This shift of focus offers an escape, if only temporarily, from life's complications, as the mind becomes absorbed in the choreography of cooking. It is an immersive act, where the senses are engaged fully: the smell of herbs, the sizzle in a pan, the vibrant colors of fresh vegetables. Such sensory engagement can anchor a person in the moment, providing both solace and revitalization.

Moreover, cooking can serve as a restorative ritual. When Mouskouri mentions thinking about what she can cook in times of confusion or fatigue, she subtly touches on the power of routines and hobbies in fostering balance and well-being. The act of preparing food is transformed into an exercise of self-care and self-expression. It reflects a universal truth: when the outside world feels chaotic or overwhelming, creating something, especially something rooted in personal or familial tradition, can offer a sense of order and fulfillment. By focusing solely on the dish at hand, every other concern slips quietly into the background, even if just for a little while.