The school doors are wide open once again, and we step into a new world of knowledge and emotional experiences, strengthening our sense of community. The first steps in this space, where learning and friendship walk hand in hand, are often filled with excitement, hesitation, and a touch of fear. However, a successful start at school is not only the beginning of learning but also an opportunity to discover oneself and develop qualities that will last a lifetime. Even food can contribute to a smooth start. This is the topic of conversation at the “Take A Break” café, where the Erudito Lyceum Parents’ Club meets with chef Gian Luca Demarco and his wife Egle.

Emotions and Food: When Do We Crave Something Sweet?

The day begins in the morning, which is full of emotions. Breakfast? Not just that. “When we are happy, food often tastes better,” says chef Gian Luca Demarco. “This positive emotion can heighten our sense of taste, allowing us to enjoy even the simplest dishes. Conversely, if we feel sad or stressed, food may seem tasteless or unappealing because our emotional state blocks our ability to fully enjoy flavors.” If you’re angry, everything may taste too salty, and when tense, sour notes become more pronounced. That’s why at the start of the school year, Gian Luca recommends children and adults alike indulge in slightly sweet and colorful food. “It will bring more warmth and comfort to your eyes and taste buds.” This can increase the production of serotonin—the happiness hormone. This chemical compound improves mood and helps us feel calmer and happier. Thus, the taste of food is an integral part of our emotional state, which should be considered both in cooking and in personal eating habits.

The chef emphasizes that it’s important to focus on the food, its taste, and texture, as calmly enjoying meals can help us temporarily forget our problems or stress. However, while food may temporarily alleviate emotional distress, in the long run, it doesn’t solve the root causes of stress, so it’s crucial to focus on healthy ways of managing emotions and stress.

Four Key Needs: How to Meet Them Properly?

Every morning, as the school doors open, people with different experiences come together under one roof: students, teachers, administrators, and families. What can be done to ensure the pillars of community stand strong and the “roof” remains steady? “We all need to understand and agree on the purpose of our gathering. We should aim for collective well-being rather than letting external frustrations or personal anger bombard the sensitive and dynamic school environment. Each of us walks around with an invisible sign that says ‘I am important.’ When we see this, we understand that everyone has their own story, and it may not always be successful or happy,” says Jurgita Steponaitienė, the coordinator of the Erudito Lyceum Parents’ Club and a primary school teacher. What can be done? “To begin with, it would be enough to understand how to meet four basic human needs that are present at all stages of life and are independent of professional status. The first is ‘I am important’—feeling heard, understood, and part of a team. This is the deepest human need: to feel that one’s presence, work, and feelings matter. This sense gives meaning to our relationships with others and helps us find our place in the world, where each of us seeks recognition and respect. The second is ‘I can’—believing in oneself, being allowed to act, feeling capable of overcoming challenges, acting independently, and achieving goals. This need drives personal growth, self-confidence, and a sense of purpose in daily life. The third is ‘I am valuable’—letting those around you know they are valuable simply for who they are. This fundamental human need is to feel one’s worth, regardless of circumstances or others’ opinions. This feeling provides inner strength and confidence, reminding us that our uniqueness and qualities have meaning, and that each person is priceless simply by being. The fourth is ‘I dare’—the ability to express what we don’t like while maintaining courtesy and tact. It’s the skill to say ‘no’ without hurting others, while respecting both your own and others’ abilities. These are moments when a person shows their vulnerability and imperfections, and in return receives encouragement from others. Daring to act, even when the outcome is uncertain, opens new opportunities and helps us discover our true potential. Only by daring can we step into the world with confidence and self-belief.”

According to J. Steponaitienė, politeness is a fundamental part of human relationships. “It helps build respect, trust, and understanding between people. Politeness shows that we recognize and value others’ feelings, opinions, and dignity. It’s like a bridge that connects us to those around us, even when opinions differ. It’s important to listen with our ears and hear with our hearts. We must learn these basics from the cradle. It seems it takes so little for us to find time for peace instead of conflict when irritated, tired, or angry—to seek understanding and a broader perspective.”

For all of us, a smooth start to the school year should begin with a delicious cup of coffee or hot chocolate with a piece of chocolate and the knowledge that we are all equally important, valuable, capable, and daring. “Understanding the value of politeness, as nothing is as expensive as politeness itself. It reflects our ability to be empathetic, to show others that we care. It is a simple yet powerful way to contribute to a warmer and more friendly world, where we can communicate and work together to achieve what we have set out to do,” concludes J. Steponaitienė.