The spring equinox falls on Thursday, March 19, which is the earliest it’s been in over a century. After this date, the Northern Hemisphere will tilt toward the Sun, and we’ll start to get longer, sunnier days. Hallelujah! With the global pandemic that’s going on right now, we’re hopeful that spring will be a time of healing and renewed health and wellness for all.

But for the time being, many of us are cooped up inside. But not all hope is lost! The longer days will bring higher temperatures which gets the birds chirping and the flowers blooming. Crack open your windows and get some fresh air!  

Staying home around this time of year means you can commit to a deep and thorough Spring Cleaning. So whether you’re in self-isolation or practicing social distancing, there are lots of ways for you to welcome early spring this year. Here are 6 activities we suggest:

Springtime is the perfect season to start enjoying fresh herbs, so why not grow them yourself? Order an Organic Indoor Herb Garden Starter Kit and start growing! Small potted herbs grow perfectly on your window sill, balcony, countertop, or in a personal outdoor greenhouse. Fresh herbs give great depth to savory soups, salads, casseroles, and pasta dishes.

For a fun and tasty spring treat, add some pastel sprinkles, colorful M&Ms, or bright royal icing to your next batch of cookies. This is a great activity to do with kids — they’ll love decorating AND eating bright and colorful cookies.

Need some inspiration? Try these No-Bake Unicorn Cookies from The Big Man’s World that are grain-free, gluten-free, and vegan! Made with only 4 ingredients, making this super-simple recipe is a fun spring-time activity for the young and old (oh, and they’ll look great on your Instagram).

You can still get outdoors if you’re practicing social distancing. Get your kids to play out in the backyard, or go on a nature walk together in a more remote area. Nearby parks or conservation areas may have hiking trails for you to take in the natural beauty of spring, get some fresh air, and make time for movement. Of course, please practice caution and distance yourself from others while out and about.

Now’s the time to brush off your BBQ, tend to your lawn, and bring out your patio furniture. Do a quick clean-up to wipe away dirt, dust and grime that’s piled up over the winter. Then, decorate with some outdoor cushions, lanterns, or candles to brighten up the space and your mood. When the sun is shining, head outside soak up the rays and breathe in some fresh air.  

Spring is a season of new beginnings. So why not have a fresh start yourself? Pick up a new hobby like painting or playing a musical instrument, start a yoga practice, or create a new nighttime routine. Make your own wellness a priority; even if you’re responsible for entertaining and keeping an entire household right now, it’s important to take care of yourself first.

If there’s one dessert that represents spring, it must be carrot cake. We don’t know about you, but a cream cheese topped carrot cake will always make us drool! Since we’re all about finding healthy alternatives, these Paleo Carrot Cake Muffins from Mama Knows Gluten Free are the perfect springtime recipe. Made with simple and healthy ingredients without gluten, dairy, or grains, they’re suitable for a variety of diets and lifestyles.

Shake off the winter blues and try these fun and social distancing-friendly activities to help welcome spring. We hope you and your family enjoy the fresh air, longer days, and warmer weather that’s to come! Are you cooped up inside with your whole family? How are you coping? Share your experience in the comments below.