By March finally arrives this week—and with a chance to spread a little kindness thanks to World Compliment Day. But that’s not the only feel-good holiday taking place; Floral Design Day is the perfect opportunity to spark smiles with gorgeous arrangements.
In the meantime, give yourself permission to indulge by whipping up a cocktail for National Kahlúa Day. Keep reading for our suggestions on fun ways to celebrate these mini holidays!
Tuesday, February 25: Quiet Day
What better way to celebrate this holiday—which focuses on pausing and appreciating silence—than with mindfulness meditation? Not only does it help lower stress, a study conducted at UC San Diego found that the practice can ease pain.
When subjects tried it, they experienced less discomfort when the researchers applied a heat stimulus to their legs, and scans revealed that brain regions did not light up like they typically do when we’re in pain. To experience the feel-good perks, consider downloading a smartphone app like Calm or Headspace and taking a few quiet breaks each day.
Thursday, February 27: National Kahlúa Day
Turn a regular Thursday into a celebration with a Kahlúa cocktail. The coffee liqueur, which is made of 100% Arabica coffee beans and rum, has a deep rich flavor. And this recipe, dreamed up by the mixologists in the Woman’s World test kitchen, is the perfect way to enjoy it!
To make a Chocolate Kahlúa Kiss: In an ice-filled glass, combine 1⁄4 cup of Kahlúa, 1⁄4 cup of half-and-half, 2 Tbs. of vanilla-flavored vodka, 2 Tbs. of chocolate syrup and 1⁄4 cup of vanilla or caramel ice cream. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and drizzle with more chocolate syrup.
Friday, February 28: Floral Design Day
It’s easy—and affordable—to make your own stunning arrangements at home. A great place to get blooms for less: “Of all of the grocery stores, Trader Joe’s has the best variety and options,” says floral pro Talia Boone, founder of Postal Petals. For a fun touch, she likes displaying blooms in unexpected vases like aluminum cans, jugs or buckets. To make any bouquet last: “Remove any leaves that will fall below the waterline because if they’re under the waterline, they poison the water and become toxic to the flowers.”
Saturday, March 1: World Compliment Day
This holiday encourages us to go out of our way to praise a friend, loved one or colleague. Not only will it make their day, it can set them up for success in the future. That’s the word from researchers at Harvard Business School.
In their study, participants who received uplifting notes from close friends immediately before a mock interview performed much better than those who wrote encouraging words to themselves and those who got a neutral note like, “Have a nice day.” In another workplace study, employees whose bosses often gave them compliments were less likely to quit or experience burnout. The researchers say these simple words of encouragement activate our “best self-concept,” leading us to perform better.
Help a Hero
Support brave pups!
If you have Petco, Chewy.com or Amazon.com gift cards, send them to the Search Dog Foundation. The nonprofit—which trains dogs to rescue humans during disasters—will use them for supplies. Mail to Search Dog Foundation, Attention: Molly Biary, 6800 Wheeler Canyon Road, Santa Paula, CA, 93060
