The Ooey, Gooey Mindful Magic of S’mores

This summer, while (mostly) not burning my marshmallow at a campfire, I realized s’mores offer a delectable opportunity to be mindful. In fact, s’mores may be juuust the appetizing method to practise mindfulness that you’ve been looking for.

Well before opening Red Chair Psychology, during my Clinical Psychology Ph.D. years, “mindfulness” was taught by asking us to eat a (very dry, extra shrivelled) raisin … mindfully.

But who said mindfulness has to be boring? 

Enter s’mores: the secret weapon for mindful enthusiasts who refuse to settle for the mundane. These delightful treats are not just delicious, they’re a whole lotta fun, and offer a unique way to savour the present moment for kids and kids-at-heart.

S’mores: The Ultimate Mindful Treat for a Happier You

Making s’mores is a sensory treasure-trove. The glow of the fire, the crackling wood, the marshmallow roasting to a golden brown. Then, the moment of truth as you sandwich the melted masterpiece between graham crackers and chocolate. S’mores pack a powerful punch of flavours and they masterfully demand your full attention (lest your marshmallow burst into a flame of molten sugar). This is mindfulness at its finest. Nary a raisin in sight.

Skeptical?

Scientific Support for Mindfulness

Mindfulness isn’t just a whimsical idea; it’s backed by science. Studies have shown that mindfulness can help manage stress, anxiety, and depression for all ages (e.g., Grecucci, et al., 2015; doi: 10.1155/2015/670724).

Mindfulness, sometimes referred to as being “present”, or “in the moment” can be boiled down to the idea of paying attention, on purpose, without judgment. It encourages us to get out of our heads, and into the world around us. Being mindful helps promote a sense of calm. For many of us, yours truly included, being mindful is often easier said than done.

Want to get ‘better’ at being mindful? Practise! Practise can happen anywhere, anytime. Because I have somewhat of a voracious appetite, mindful eating is a convenient and generally palatable (pun intended) way for me to have ample opportunity to practise mindfulness throughout the day. Try these tips below!

Tips for S’more Inner Peace

In these final days of summer in Nova Scotia, here are some creative, psychologist-approved ideas for how you can practise mindfulness (nary a raisin in sight):

A)    S’mores Senses Scan: Your s’mores adventure creates a great opportunity to practise mindfulness by scanning your senses. Try paying attention with openness and curiosity to:

• What you see: the twinkling stars, dancing flames, glowing embers

• What you feel: the stickiness of melted marshmallow, dry graham cracker crumbs, warmth of the fire

• What you hear: the crackling wood, whispering wind, rustling leaves

• What you taste: the sugary marshmallow, creamy chocolate, honey flavour of the graham cracker

• What you smell: the fresh air, burning wood, freshly cut grass

B)    Savour the Sweet Moments: Challenge yourself or your fellow campfire mates to eat your s’mores as slowly as possible. Draw out everyyyy lasssssst morsel. It’s a magical way to notice all the ways you’ll be tempted to gobble up your tasty treat.

C)    Judgment-Free Flavour Fiesta: Kick it old school, or mix it up by making your s’mores with different chocolate flavours (spicy chocolate, anyone?), or swap the traditional graham crackers for fun alternatives like brownies or cookies. Get creative or let your kids hunt up some … unlikely … ideas in your cupboards. Practise being nonjudgmental and letting go of whatever rules you have for “the right way” to concoct s’mores.

Ooey, Gooey (Psychological) Goodness

Whether you’d like a mindful moment on your own, or you’re keen to practise being present with your family and friends – grab a marshmallow! It’s not too late for delicious treats and sweet, mindful moments this summer. Need a little more than s’mores to work on mindfulness? Book an appointment at Red Chair Psychology in Bedford, NS to start living in the moment and stop living in your head.

Why not polish off some melty, messy, finger-lickin’ good s’mores in the name of mental health?

 Mmm scrumptious!

Dr. Jenn

Registered Clinical Psychologist, Ph.D., (and S’mores Aficionado)

Red Chair Psychology

217-35 Bloom Lane, Bedford Nova Scotia

902-517-1057 |  admin@RedChairPsychology.com