Nothing brings us back to earth like a simple, satisfying meal shared in the company of people we care about.

James Beard, the celebrated chef and author, put it eloquently: “Food is our common ground, a universal experience.” He meant that when we break bread together, we feed more than our bodies: We reset and recharge what makes us whole.

In the Physical Wellbeing section of Self Haven you'll also find articles on everything culinary, nutritious and communal about food. We call it “Nourish.” In the spirit of presenting food as a basic part of holistic wellness, you’ll find informative videos, articles about making good food decisions and different ways to have fun in the kitchen.

It sounds obvious, but oftentimes life divides our attention away from watching what we eat, and eating is an essential part of self care. It’s easy to forget that eating to little, too much or eating poorly can have long-lasting effects on our mood, our energy or productivity, and even our relationships.

Food is essential to physical, social and spiritual health. And here’s the good news: Anyone can begin with his or her next meal. Good, colorful food from the earth is a great place to start.

Eating healthily — and eating together — is restorative to our well-being. In fact, mental health counselors recently told The Wall Street Journal that cooking is proven to relieve anxiety and depression. They found it helps to “soothe stress, build self-esteem and curb negative thinking by focusing the mind on following a recipe.”

The website Eater noted that psychologists call that “behavioral activation,” meaning by “increasing goal-oriented behavior and curbing procrastination,” we feel accomplished. The rewards for healthy eating are high, and we hope you enjoy the resources we’ve collected.

The Journal article began this way: “Many cooks know what a sanctuary the kitchen can be.”

When a plan comes together, life is good. Especially if the result is delicious.