Making the Most of March

March is the month where winter starts to loosen its grip and the first hints of spring begin to appear. Longer days, fresh air, and a renewed sense of energy make March the perfect time to get out of hibernation mode and try something new. With that in mind, I’ve rounded up some activities to help you enjoy everything March has to offer.

Enjoy some spring produce. Strawberries, artichokes, asparagus, and peas are a few of the fruits and vegetables that are in season during March. Head to your local produce stand or farmers market and pick up some of your favorites.

International Women’s Day is March 8th. Enjoy a book or documentary about women leaders or changemakers. (Bonus points if it was written or directed by a woman) Support a woman owned business.  Let the women who inspire you know just how much you appreciate them with a letter, phone call, or message. March is also Women's History Month, so don't limit your appreciation, support, and learning to just one day!

Embrace play as exercise. Getting your daily exercise doesn’t have mean going to the gym. Reconnect with the things that bring you joy! Try roller skating, jumping rope, a game of kickball, throwing a frisbee, or dancing. Play as exercise can boost your cardio and strength, improve coordination, and reduce stress.

Go for a drive.  Roll down the windows, crank up the volume on your favorite tunes and enjoy the open road.

Pi day (March 14) Observe the day dedicated to the ratio of the circumference of a circle to the diameter of the same circle by enjoying your favorite circular foods. Pie is the obvious choice. But what about Pi-zza? Or some cookies or a cake decorated with the Pi symbol?  See who among your family or friends has the most digits of Pi memorized.  Or try your hand at writing "pi-ku" - a piece with a 3-1-4 syllable structure. 

Go for a spring hike. Head out on your favorite trail or explore a new one.  Look for signs of spring - buds on the trees, the first hints of green, or spring wildflowers - along the way.

Read a book outside.  Enjoy these first warm days of spring by taking your book outside to read while soaking up the fresh air and sunshine.  

Celebrate St. Patrick Day on March 17th. Everyone can be a little Irish one day a year.  Wear your favorite green. Have some Irish stew, Dublin coddle, or Colcannon. Pour your favorite Irish drink - whether that's an Irish coffee, Irish whiskey, or a pint of Guiness.  Listen to some Irish tunes.  Watch an Irish movie or tv show.  I recommend "Rebellion" or "House of Guiness" - both can be found on Netflix.

Hang a birdfeeder. Give the birds that have winter edition in your area a reliable food source and prepare for the ones that will soon be making their spring migration.  Watching birds is a peaceful, relaxing activity and having a bird feeder helps maintain a healthy, diverse bird population - especially in more urban areas.

Stop scrolling.  For one day, turn off the phone or leave it behind. Give yourself a break from the information overload. Try one of the other activities on this list to distract you.

Celebrate the first day of Spring (March 20).  You did it! You made it through another long, cold winter. Wake up early and welcome the sunrise.  Set your intentions or goals for the season.  Or enjoy one of the other activities on this list to welcome in Spring.

Spring cleaning.  It doesn't have to be your whole house. Do one room or clean out your closet or dresser. Spring cleaning reduces indoor allergens, reduces stress, and can improve focus and productivity. 

Plant something. Start some seeds for your summer vegetable garden or sprinkle some wildflower seeds outside. If you're short on outdoor space, try creating a windowsill herb garden or a small container garden. 

Spend some quality time with your furry family member on National Puppy Day (March 23rd). If you don't have a canine companion of your own, visit the dogs at your local shelter or make a donation to help out a dog rescue. Take a walk and pet every puppy you see (always ask first!)

Lighten Up.  Add some pastels to your life. I'm thinking of a new (or better yet - thrifted) top or dress, a ready-for-spring nail polish, or some spring candles.

After months of cold and stillness, March is your cue to step outside a little more, breathe a little deeper, and make space for small joys. Whether you try one thing on this list or weave a few of them into your month, I hope March brings you moments of light, playfulness, and renewal. Winter did its thing—but now it’s time to gently wake up and welcome what’s next.