Embracing March with Slow Living: A Cosy To-Do List with Ostara Celebrations

March arrived in Somerset with a mix of rain, sunshine, clouds, and blue sky (edit: we also had hail!) - a typical English early Spring weather. In March, we are celebrating the Spring Equinox, also known as Ostara to those who follow the Wheel of the Year - an official first day of Spring. From this point on, the days will be longer than the night until we reach the Summer Solstice - the longest day and the shortest night of the year. Happy times lie ahead - days are getting longer, the weather warmer, and the natural world is waking.

March is the perfect time to embrace the principles of slow living and create moments of peace and cosiness in our lives. I've put together a simple, heartwarming to-do list that, instead of creating more mental clutter, will inspire you to slow down, enjoy simple pleasures, and moments of peace.

1. Celebrate Spring Equinox / Ostara

As we celebrate the first day of Spring in March, this really sets the tone for the whole month and my list. The Spring Equinox / Ostara happens on the 20th of March 2024, and after a long, grey winter, it's definitely a reason to celebrate. Our ancestors would throw a seasonal feast and light bonfires to honour the sun. In the modern world, preparing a lovely seasonal meal for your loved ones and lighting a candle will do :) YR studio has lots of Spring & Summer scents that will bring the fresh, green energy of March into your home.

Some of our green and floral scents include:

• Nourish to Flourish (Lemon & lavender)
• Ostara Spring Equinox
• Cosy Cottage (Magnolia & cherry)
• English Mint
• English Countryside (Rain, grass & flowers)
• Herb Garden (Basil & sage)

 Read my guide to Ostara and how to celebrate the Spring Equinox here

2. Declutter Your Space

March is the time to remove the last of Winter clutter, dust off cobwebs, and forgotten corners of our house to make space for new! Start by slowly decluttering one area of your home. Choose a corner, a drawer, or a shelf. Let go of things you no longer need or love, but do it gently, without rushing. The goal is to make your space more serene and inviting, not to overwhelm yourself.

3. Plant New Beginnings

If you haven't already planted something green, Ostara is the perfect time to do so. Consider planting flowers or herbs that are associated with Spring and renewal, such as daffodils, violets, or thyme. As you plant, think of your intentions and wishes for the coming season. P.S. If you don't have a garden, a little pot on the windowsill will do!

 

4. Spring Seasonal Decor for Your Home

March is a wonderful time to bring a bit of green, floral, or cottagecore decor into your home. Buy yourself fresh flowers to bring some colour of Spring into your home. It's time to put out your Ostara or Easter decor: eggs, ducks, chickens, bunnies, flowers, wreaths, colorful ribbons - symbols of renewal and rebirth will definitely breathe new life into your home after Winter. Naturally, I can't skip recommending candles - choose happy, uplifting scents like "Nourish to Flourish", "Cosy Cottage" or "Herb Garden" to compliment your seasonal decor.

 

5. Enjoy a Slow Moment - As Often as You Can

I believe in slow living with all my heart, but I'm also a down-to-earth person. We all get busy in our lives, and the cottagecore aesthetic found on Pinterest isn't very realistic. That's why, instead of feeling guilty for being busy all the time, I ask you this month to flip the narrative and simply try to find a moment of slowness as often as possible in your days, even if it's just a 15-minute coffee break or that moment in the evening after the kids went to bed, and you can finally sit down on your sofa in peace and silence. I know there is always more to do, but you deserve some time off.

 

6. Take a Nature Walk

Spending time in nature is one of the greatest things we can do for our bodies and minds. Be it a forest, a nature reserve, a local park, or just a country lane, our brain chemistry alters when we are surrounded by the natural world. March is an amazing time to be outdoors because of all the signs of spring emerging. It's a perfect occasion to practice being present and appreciate the simple things in life.

 

7. Cook a Spring Meal

Prepare a meal with fresh, seasonal ingredients to celebrate the abundance of spring. As the days are getting lighter and warmer, so will our diet change. Foods like eggs, sprouts, leafy greens, and dairy products are traditional foods to eat this time of the year, an easy and delicious way to tune in with the season.

Embracing slow living doesn't mean missing out on things; it means making more room for what truly enriches our lives. I hope this cosy, gentle March to-do list inspires you to find peace, joy, and simplicity in the everyday this month.

Happy March,
Adriana x