Art! Nutrition! Women!
March is filled with celebrations and opportunities to explore!
“March is Arts Education Month focusing on how arts education rebuilds our economy, student engagement, and mental well-being. 80% of students report worsening mental health during the pandemic. Daily art can reduce stress and anxiety. The skills must be part of every student’s school day.” Source: https://createca.org/
Studies also show that creating art stimulates the release of dopamine. This chemical is released when we do something pleasurable, making us feel happier. Increased levels of this feel-good neurotransmitter can be beneficial if you battle anxiety or depression. The act of drawing or coloring brings us to the present moment, and we’re focused on what’s right in front of us – the palette or whatever object we are working with.
The arts also include visual arts (including ceramics, drawing, filmmaking, painting, photography, and sculpting), literary arts (including fiction, drama, poetry, and prose), performing arts (including dance, music, and so much more. I take tap dancing lessons once a week and have for many years as an adult. When I’m in the studio for the class, I’m focused on learning new steps and reviewing ones already known. This time and focus reduce the stress of worrying about the future or what I need to take care of next in my life. It’s my escape time.
“The more we are a choir, the more the tune is forced to change.”
For more resources, check out @create_ca on Instagram.
National Nutrition Month officially started on March 1st, and there are several ways to ensure you get all the essential nutrients and enjoy the process of well-being.
🍓One option is to grow your own delicious fruits and vegetables, and now is the time to plant your edible plants. Visit nurseries, attend classes, and research-disease-resistant options to grow in your area.
🫐 If shopping is the best option for you, source organic fruits and veggies by directing questions to produce or farmers market professionals. What is the footprint / location from farm to source?
We all can benefit from research and learning about best practices. Stay tuned for additional posts in March on my Instagram account @seejaneexplore for #nationalnutritionmonth 😋
It’s going to be a delicious March!
Women’s History Month sets time aside to ponder women’s historic contributions and achievements that provided multiple opportunities for people of all genders.
Some notable women made strides in:
Science:
Dorothy Hodgkin was a British chemist who spent decades improving X-ray crystallography techniques, which made it possible for her to complete her innovative research on insulin and improve treatments for diabetes.
Literature:
Helen Keller was an American author who was deaf and blind since childhood. She used her voice and celebrity status to advocate for social justice for people with disabilities, living in poverty, and women.
Nature:
Rachel Carson wrote the book “Silent Spring” which focused upon and condemned the widespread use of the pesticide DDT, leading to legislation banning DDT and other pesticides.
I will add that my maternal grandmother, along with her 8 siblings and parents, and my paternal grandmother, emigrated from Poland to the U.S. I thank them for their courage to leave their homeland to allow me to have my life!
TIP:
My website offers details for customized explorations year-round and learning opportunities based on your wish list and interests. Feel free to contact me and/or submit a the form via the “Customized Explorations” page.