By The start of spring isn’t the only occasion to look forward to this month; there are plenty of other celebrations to be had too. Holidays like I Want You to Be Happy Day and National Optimism Month have feel-good perks for everyone!
Plus, savory and sweet snacks for both Mardi Gras and the quirky Cinco de Marcho are a must-try! Below you’ll find our tips for celebrating these mini holidays to kick off your March in a memorable way.
Monday, March 3: I Want You to Be Happy Day
Celebrate this day by helping someone out—it’ll benefit both of you! In a study published in Nature Communications, subjects were told they would receive $100 to spend on themselves or someone else. When researchers examined their brains on MRI scans, those who agreed to spend the money on others had more interaction between brain regions associated with happiness than their counterparts. The researchers don’t know how long the benefits last, but other research shows that doing good deeds regularly can benefit your health and happiness.
Tuesday, March 4: Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras is all about indulgence—and frying up these semi-homemade donuts, inspired by the beignets popular in New Orleans, is the perfect way to celebrate!
To make: Roll out store-bought refrigerated biscuit dough into a sheet. Use a glass to punch out circles; cut a small hole in the center of each. Heat 3″ of oil in a pan until oil bubbles; fry dough until golden on both sides. Use tongs to transfer to a paper towel–lined track; repeat until finished. Add icing made by thinning powdered sugar with milk, then top with colorful sprinkles.
Wednesday, March 5: Cinco de Marcho
This fun holiday serves as countdown to Cinco de Mayo, and it’s a great excuse to treat yourself to delicious Mexican foods! Celebrate by whipping up this easy homemade pico de gallo created by the pros in the Woman’s World test kitchen.
To make pico de gallo: In medium bowl, combine 1 lb. of tomatoes (seeded and diced), 1⁄2 cup of chopped red onion, 1⁄4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro, 1 clove of garlic (minced), 1 tsp. of green Tabasco sauce, 1⁄2 tsp. of lime zest, 2 Tbs. of lime juice, 1⁄4 tsp. of salt and 1⁄4 tsp. of pepper. Transfer to serving bowl. Serve with tortilla chips or enjoy in tacos.
Friday, March 7: National Day of Unplugging
Take a break from technology today—in addition to easing your stress, it will boost your brainpower, according to investigators at the University of Texas at Austin. In one experiment, participants were asked to turn their phones to silent, then place the device on the desk face-down, in their pocket or bag, or in another room. They then took a series of computer tests designed to measure the brain’s ability to hold and process information.
The result: People with their phones in another room performed up to 28% better than those whose devices were nearby (even when turned off). The researchers say having the phone within easy reach may be enough to drain our limited cognitive resources, as part of the brain is actively working to not pick up or use the phone.
March 1-30: National Optimism Month
Practice looking on the bright side this month! The best way to develop a sunnier outlook? “Jot down three things you’re grateful for every day, and you’ll train your brain to look for the good in the world,” says psychotherapist Amy Morin, author of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do. “Over time, your brain will look for positive things, and you can grow more optimistic.” Also key: Spend time with like-minded folks. “The more you’re surrounded by positive people, the easier it is to maintain a bright outlook.”
Help a Hero!
Donate old phones!
If you have a cell phone you don’t need, send it to Cell Phones for Soldiers. The nonprofit will recycle or repurpose it to fund programs providing communication tools to the military. Mail phones and chargers to Cell Phones for Soldiers, 5705 Commerce Blvd., Suite 100, Alpharetta, GA 30004.
