What Cast Iron Pans Did to My Brain 

It was hot—so hot. I was sure it was about to start smoking, but it didn’t. My hand hovered just above it, close enough to feel the waves of heat radiating off the surface. That’s when it hit me. Something had shifted, not in the pan, but in my brain. What was happening!?! 😬 

The answer wasn’t what I expected. It wasn’t just the heat. It wasn’t just the oil. It was the process. The ritual of something so simple, so mundane, had become an anchor for my mind—one that I hadn’t realized I needed. 

Finding Mindfulness in the Heat of the Moment 

Let me explain. Tonight, while cleaning up my two cast iron pans, I realized how weirdly relaxing the whole process is. 🧘‍♀️ Instead of rushing through another kitchen chore, I found myself fully immersed in the moment. It was slower, more intentional, and definitely more time-consuming than wiping down a non-stick pan (which, by the way, can contain some pretty nasty chemicals like Teflon, PFAS, and other harmful substances). But in that slowness, something clicked. 

The Art of Seasoning: Focus, Heat, and Mindfulness 

So here’s how it went down. I started with low heat on the burner, drizzled in some avocado oil (my go-to for seasoning cast iron), and spread it evenly over the surface with a piece of paper towel—you know me, I’m not using the whole piece 🙂. 

This wasn’t just about prepping the pan; it was a whole experience. With the oil gliding over the surface, my mind couldn’t wander—I couldn’t multi-task. There was hot oil and heavy metal in my hands, and the only thing I needed to focus on was building up that beautiful sheen, layer by layer. 

As the pan heated up in slow increments, I’d hold my hand just above it to gauge the warmth. 🔥 It’s funny how something as simple as heat can bring your focus back to the present. Spreading the oil in smooth, circular motions became almost hypnotic, and when I caught a glimpse of the rippling oil reflecting the light, I felt a complete sense of satisfaction. 

Within a few minutes, the pan had an even, glistening sheen. It was beautiful. I turned off the heat, admired my handiwork, and set the pan on the back burner to cool. Done. That was actually… nice. 

A Quick Check-In (Because I Couldn’t Resist) 

A few minutes later, I walked past the stove and couldn’t help myself. I picked up the pan, tilted it to one side, and watched the thickened oil slither slowly from edge to edge. The sheen—my little masterpiece—met my current need for relaxation, and it was ready to meet my future need for a perfectly seasoned, non-stick surface. 🥞 

“Thanks, sheen. You’ve done good. Until next time.” 

Why It’s More Than Just a Pan 

You might be wondering—what does any of this have to do with my brain? Well, it turns out that this small, repetitive, focused task gave me a sense of mindfulness. I didn’t realize it at first, but the act of caring for my cast iron pan was helping me relax, refocus, and reset. 

And there’s actual science to back this up! Research shows that mindfulness practices, even in the form of simple, everyday tasks, can reduce anxiety, decrease stress, and improve overall mental well-being. By bringing yourself into the present moment, you’re allowing your brain to relax, giving it a break from the constant mental juggling we do every day. 🌿 

Check out these studies on the benefits of mindfulness: 

• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Study shows how mindfulness can help reduce anxiety and stress. 

• Harvard’s Study on Mindfulness and Brain Health dives into how mindfulness can actually change the structure of your brain, making it more resilient to stress. 

The Health Benefits of Ditching Non-Stick Pans 

Oh, and if you’re still using non-stick pans, let’s chat. 🗣️ Non-stick surfaces like Teflon and PFAS can release harmful chemicals when overheated, which have been linked to serious health risks, including cancer and hormone disruption. Here’s a great resource that dives deeper into the dangers of non-stick pans and why cast iron is a safer, healthier alternative for cooking: Consumer Reports: You can’t always trust claims from non-stick cookware. (links below) 

If you’re thinking about making healthier swaps in your kitchen, check out Tangie’s line of zero-waste products for eco-friendly alternatives to harsh chemicals found in traditional household cleaners. 

Wrapping It All Up 

It’s funny how something as simple as seasoning a cast iron pan can become a moment of clarity. What I thought was just a kitchen chore became a mini-mindfulness session that helped me de-stress, focus, and feel good about the small things in life. 🧘‍♀️ 

Next time you’re seasoning your cast iron pan, take a deep breath and enjoy the process. Not only are you taking care of your cookware, but you might just be giving your brain a little TLC, too. 

Gratefully, 

xo Angie Ringler 

SOURCES: 

• Keng, S.-L., Smoski, M. J., & Robins, C. J. (2011). Effects of mindfulness on psychological health: a review of empirical studies. In Clinical psychology review (Vol. 31, Issue 6, pp. 1041–1056). Clinical psychology review. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3679190/
• You Can’t Always Trust Claims on ‘Non-Toxic’ Cookware. (2022). In Consumer Reports. https://www.consumerreports.org/toxic-chemicals-substances/you-cant-always-trust-claims-on-non-toxic-cookware-a4849321487/
• Andrew E. Budson MD. (2021). Can mindfulness change your brain? In Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-mindfulness-change-your-brain-202105132455