Why the secret to feeling better might be in your dining room

India Today

16-06-2025

Dinner table conversations are important, more important than we think. At a time when burnout has become the new normal, gathering at the meal table before bed can actually be the saviour we didn't know we needed. Meaningful conversations during dinner time can have the psychological impact of asking the brain to slow down. Experts believe it can help regulate the nervous system and reduce stress.advertisementHowever, with notifications buzzing all the time, blurring personal and professional boundaries, and rising individualism, the essence of the tradition is slowly fading away.Gen Z is often seen as self-involved and not interested in meaningful conversations, but that might not be entirely true.
Interestingly, a research study based on 2,000 adults born after 1996 indicates that 64 per cent of people enjoy deep conversations with friends and family.At a time when dinners have become an individual affair (mostly), it's important to return to shared mealtimes (dinners), not just to strengthen family bonds, but also because they have a surprisingly positive impact on our mental health.Dinner ritual in IndiaSometimes, the most wholesome conversations and rant sessions happen right in the kitchen with your family. Yes, been there, done that! From setting the dinner table to sharing updates about the day, the simple act of coming together creates a real sense of belonging.
Dinner table rituals create a sense of belonging. (Photo: Pexels)
advertisementIn India, many of us have grown up hearing the phrase, "A family that eats together, stays together"—a Hum Saath Saath Hain moment, much? As filmi as it sounds, the essence holds true. Jokes aside, it's during these meals that different generations swap stories, recount how things used to be, and pass down anecdotes that quietly become family lore.And what happens next? You smile. And, more importantly, you stop fussing over that 'important' boardroom meeting or a looming deadline. While this tradition might not be as common as it once was, maybe it's time we bring it back.Of course, eating together isn't the only part. Many homes also swear by a no-phone policy during meals - and guess what? Experts recommend it too. But more on that later.Burnout is the new epidemicStress. Exhaustion. Energy depletion. It all sums up burnout. The World Health Organisation describes burnout as a "syndrome conceptualised as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed."Isn't this the story of every other working adult? Thanks to hustle culture in the digital first world.In September 2024, a Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry and Boston Consulting Group report highlighted how 58 per cent of Indians reported burnout at work.advertisementTherefore, when you return home to a dinner table with your family around, it might be that much-needed change.Such talks strengthen bonds and create a safe space. Further, positive conversations release oxytocin, or the 'bonding hormone', that helps reduce cortisol levels."Psychologically, it lowers cortisol levels and creates a sense of emotional safety, which is crucial for good sleep. These little talks give the mind permission to rest," Uzma Fahim, child psychologist at LISSUN, a mental health startup platform, tells India Today.
As per research, 33 per cent Gen Z enjoy intergenerational chats (Photo: Pexels)
Keep it light at nightWhen it comes to managing everyday burnout, it's not about making drastic changes. And mind you, it's not just the dinner table conversations that can help manage stress. It's more about reclaiming everyday moments of life. And turning off that screen time during dinner is one of them.It's often at bedtime that worries echo the loudest in the silence of the night. That's why these seemingly small interactions go a long way; they clear mental clutter and help with emotional offloading.
Light dinner table conversation can help manage burnout. (Photo: Pexels)
advertisementThis is possible when dinner conversations are light. Because rituals should be fun and easy. If there are bigger discussions waiting to happen, dinner might not be the best time for it. Dinner served with a side of sanity is what people look for."Human connection, whether over food, conversation, or silence, is one of the strongest protective factors against burnout. Because, in the end, it's not grand gestures that restore us, it's the quiet rituals we return to every day. The thali served with love, the late-night talk on the balcony, or the laughter over leftovers. These aren't just traditions; they are emotional anchors. And in a world that often feels overwhelming, they offer us the most powerful medicine of all: belonging," Uzma concludes.Must Watch