30 ways to bring joy this spring

As the weather turns warmer, the flowers unfurl and the days stretch a little longer, spring's arrival offers a fresh start – a chance to savour the simple pleasures that make life joyful. We've curated advice from the experts for how to nourish your mind, body and soul over the spring months, from connecting with loved ones and establishing pre-work habits, to in-season bakes, dishes and drinks, tips for adding energy boosts to your day, plus travel ideas to disconnect.

Whether you’re in the kitchen, outdoors or planning a getaway, there are countless ways to refresh your lifestyle, bring more joy and energy into your life, and help you feel your best all through the season.

1. Brush off winter

Embrace the new season by shaking off winter routines and trying something different in the kitchen. Experimenting with lighter meals, fresh herbs or colourful salads can energise your body and mind, helping you feel more in tune with spring.

2. Bring the garden to your plate

Incorporate edible flowers and floral flavours into your cooking and baking this spring. Dishes scented with rose water, elderflower or orange blossom not only look beautiful but can lift your mood and bring a sense of playfulness and creativity to your kitchen. Check out our curation of floral recipes for recipe inspiration, featuring this stunning lemon and elderflower almond cake.

3. Refresh your morning routine

Set the tone for your day with a nourishing breakfast and a mindful start. Simple habits like hydrating, stretching or stepping outside for fresh air can boost your mood, increase energy and help you feel more grounded as you head into the milder months. Read our health experts' morning routine tips for more ways to get your day off to a perfect start.

4. Add spring greens to dishes

Make the most of vibrant spring greens by adding them to veg-packed dishes. These leafy vegetables are packed with vitamins, calcium and fibre, supporting a healthy gut, bones and your immune system. Cooking with seasonal greens brings extra colour and freshness to your daily dishes, making mealtimes more joyful and nutritious. Seek ideas in our favourite spring green recipes, including this crowd-pleaser of a dish: mac 'n' greens pie.

5. Cook something special for loved ones

Sharing homemade food fosters connection and gratitude, and Mother’s Day in March is a a lovely excuse to bake a cake or cook a special meal for loved ones (which is shown to boost both mental and emotional health). Taking time to celebrate together can be a highlight of the season. See our Mother's Day menu for inspired ideas, such as this Peruvian-style roast chicken and rhubarb and pistachio galette.

6. Enjoy spring-inspired coffee serves

Refresh your coffee routine with one of our spring-style coffee serves, such as this floral espresso tonic or iced matcha latte. Swapping your usual brew for something lighter or brighter can add a sense of novelty to your day and help you savour the moment. See our five spring coffee serves for light and bright coffee ideas.

7. Treat yourself to a spring escape

Spring is the perfect time for a quick getaway to recharge and explore somewhere new. Whether it’s a countryside retreat or a city break, a change of scene can spark creativity, reduce stress and leave you feeling revitalised. Discover olive's top travel ideas in our spring getaways for food lovers including Porto abloom with pretty purple flowers.

8. Go off grid in an eco-friendly treehouse

Reconnect with nature by booking a stay in a luxury treehouse hotel. Waking up among the trees, with birdsong and fresh air all around, can have a calming effect and encourage a deeper appreciation for the outdoors. These breathtaking treehouse hotels in Europe for foodies combine incredible views with gourmet food hamper deliveries and total peace.

9. Add a pinch of Irish charm to your cooking

Embrace the spirit of St Patrick’s Day with traditional Irish recipes or a feast of comforting favourites. Cooking and sharing Irish dishes, such as classic soda bread or hearty stew, brings people together and offers a chance to honour heritage, while this Guinness rarebit offers a clever Irish twist on a favourite snack. Our Irish coffee and chocolate Guinness cake will also help lift spirits as winter fades.

10. Mix a bracing spring cocktail

Celebrate the longer evenings with a round of refreshing spring cocktails, using ingredients like rhubarb, zingy lime or fresh herbs. Creating and enjoying a new drink can be a fun way to unwind and sharing cocktails with friends offers a great social boost. Discover our spring-feel cocktails, including this vibrant pink rhubarb gin.

11. Celebrate Eid with special dishes

Celebrating the end of Ramadan, Eid brings families and friends together to share festive dishes and special sweet treats. Preparing traditional Eid recipes is a joyful way to connect with loved ones and cultural traditions, encouraging joy and gratitude. See our collection of Eid recipes to inspire you, such as Monica Sawhney Haldar's recipe for gulab jamun, an Indian sweet dessert of cake-like doughnuts soaked in a rose-cardamom syrup.

12. Spotlight rhubarb in stunning bakes

Rhubarb bursts into season in spring, offering a tart, tangy flavour that transforms cakes, crumbles and puddings. Baking with rhubarb not only celebrates the season but also provides a source of vitamin K and antioxidants, supporting overall wellbeing and adding a beautiful pop of pink to your table. Our rhubarb collection has it all, from pies and crumble bars to bread and butter pudding.

13. Take a bloom-filled spring getaway

Choose a destination famous for its spring flowers and gardens. Surrounding yourself with blossoms can lift your spirits, inspire creativity and provide a beautiful backdrop for relaxation and exploration.

14. Gather and go outdoors for spring equinox

The spring equinox signals the return of light and new beginnings. Gather with loved ones for a wholesome meal outdoors, whether it’s a picnic or a simple lunch in the garden. Fresh air and shared food can lift your mood, and is a wonderful way to mark the turning point of the season. See our best outdoor entertaining ideas for special ways to socialise outdoors, including a backyard campfire.

15. Assemble an Easter feast with loved ones

Easter is a time for celebration as well as extra special food, from classic roast lamb to simnel cake and hot cross buns. Sharing a festive meal with family or friends can create lasting memories, while indulging in seasonal treats (Creme Egg cupcakes, anyone?) adds a sense of occasion and fun. Discover our joyful recipes in our main Easter recipe collection, or take a look at our best Easter dinners, cocktails, desserts and cakes.

16. Forage for wild ingredients

Foraging introduces you to the edible treasures growing in parks, woodlands and churchyards. Learning to identify wild foods like wild garlic or nettles encourages mindfulness and a deeper connection to nature, while adding unique flavours to your meals. See our guide to urban foraging, then put your finds to good use with our wild garlic recipes.

17. Host in spring without the stress

Invite friends or family for a relaxed spring-feel dinner party. Focus on simple, make-ahead dishes that let you enjoy the company rather than worrying about perfection. Sharing good food in a low-pressure setting can reduce stress and boost happiness. Get started with some of our exciting spring dinner party recipes, including this wedge salad with blue cheese dressing.

18. Cook with fresh, seasonal flavours

Cooking with the best of spring’s produce – think asparagus, jersey royals and watercress – ensures your meals are full of flavour and nutrition. Eating seasonally supports local growers and helps you feel more connected to the rhythms of nature. See our spring recipes, March recipes and April recipes for springtime meals, including this vibrant asparagus risotto, finished with lemon zest, chives and a mountain of parmesan.

19. Host a springtime afternoon tea

Host or attend an afternoon tea, filled with all manner of scones, cakes and delectable sandwiches. This quintessential afternoon ritual is a lovely way to slow down, connect with friends and enjoy a little indulgence as the weather brightens. See our guide on how to create the ultimate Easter afternoon tea for seasonal suggestions for the best table décor, finger food and bakes, including these gooey Easter blondies.

20. Mark International Women’s Day

In honour of International Women's Day (8 March), support female-led restaurants or try your hand at recipes by female chefs, such as Nisha Parmar's colourful three-course dinner. Celebrating women in food champions creativity and diversity within the industry, inspiring positive change. Join olive in celebrating the very best of female-led restaurants from across the UK.

21. Add healthy, seasonal dinners to your rotation

Focus on nourishing your body with nutritious spring recipes that make you feel energised. Dishes packed with vegetables, grains or high-fibre carbs and lean proteins can support physical wellbeing, and encourage a positive relationship with food. Make the humble radish shine in this meze dish flavoured with cumin and dill – the preserved lemon and yogurt base is the perfect accompaniment. See our healthy spring recipes for more unique, creative dishes.

22. Bring the brightness with creative bakes

Spring baking is a joyful way to mark the new season, whether you’re making lemon drizzle muffins, a chocolate Easter cake or pistachio cookies. Baking can be a mindful activity, offering comfort and a sense of accomplishment, not to mention filling your home with delicious aromas. See our 33 days of spring baking for new delicious ways to bring brightness.

23. Book a hotel in full bloom

Stay at a hotel renowned for its alluring gardens, where you can stroll among blooming borders and enjoy the sights and scents of spring. Being immersed in nature can reduce stress and foster a sense of peace and joy.

24. Re-establish pre-work habits

Revisit or create pre-work rituals that support productivity and wellbeing, such as journaling, gentle exercise or a few minutes of calm. These small acts can reduce stress, improve focus and help you transition smoothly into your day. Try these 10 pre-work habits to set you up for a productive day.

25. Add little energy boosts to your day

Feeling like you need to shake off that winter fuzziness? Try incorporate small, energising habits throughout your day, such as opening your curtains to let in morning light, taking short walks or enjoying a glass of water before your first coffee. These simple actions can help maintain steady energy and improve your mood. Read our piece on the 24 little boosts to build energy into your day for more simple tricks to reduce lethargy.

26. Visit a food market on the weekend

Exploring a local food market is a sensory treat and a great way to discover unique seasonal produce. Meeting producers and sampling new foods can inspire creativity in the kitchen as well as supporting local businesses. Take a look at our curation of the best food markets to visit for weekend inspiration.

27. Explore a small foodie town

Explore one of the UK’s charming small towns known for their food scenes, from the quirky Totnes in Devon to the handsome Settle in the Yorkshire Dales. Sampling local specialities, visiting independent shops and chatting with producers is an enjoyable way to while away the hours over a spring weekend. Find more foodie hotspots here: 25 small towns across the UK that every foodie should visit.

28. Book a special March getaway

March is an ideal month for a spontaneous trip, with fewer crowds and the first signs of spring emerging. A short break can offer a much-needed reset and help you embrace the season’s sense of renewal. See fields in bloom, enjoy a city break or plan a blow-out trip – our guide to where to visit in March covers it all.

29. Discover European getaways for spring produce

Travel to places where spring produce is at its peak, such as Jersey for jersey royals or Ireland for oysters. Tasting local ingredients at their freshest is a delicious way to celebrate the season and expand your culinary horizons.

30. Create a spring dessert showstopper

Celebrate the Easter holidays with an indulgent dessert for loved ones. Our curation of Easter dessert recipes features plenty of inspired sweet treats, from white chocolate cakes and raspberry cheesecakes to hot cross bun bread and butter pudding.