Your March Guide to Healthy Escapism

Spotlighting Books Worth the Hype, Must-Watch Horror Films, and A Spring Cleaning Playlist

Welcome to your March guide for healthy escapism! This new column goes live the first Monday of the month, and I'll be sharing all of my favorite films, TV shows, books, and more that work as a healthy tool for escaping the chaos of life and mitigating stress through a bit of relaxation.

A big part of why I started I'm So Mature is to reintroduce play into the healing process. This quote beautifully captures why I believe art and entertainment are powerful tools for restoration. It’s a reminder that rest and relaxation look different for everyone, depending on the nature of their work.

“If you work with your hands, sabbath with your mind; if you work with your mind, sabbath with your hands.” — Abraham Joshua Heschel

Every month, I’ll be sharing a guide to help you step away from what’s overwhelming, stressful, and energy-draining—so you can find rest in art, laughter, entertainment, and more.

With spring around the corner, now is the perfect time to shed what no longer serves you and clear out the dead weight. That’s why I’m kicking off the month with your guide to horror (a perfect way to confront fears of the unknown) while also sharing books that bring solace, laughter, and self-reflection. Get ready to queue up your Netflix and Fable accounts with these picks!

Must-Watch Horror Films: A Little Thrill Never Hurt Anybody

Sometimes, escapism means leaning into the eerie and unsettling. This month’s picks are for my Netflix-and-chill folks, with movies ranging from chilling haunted house tales to mind-bending psychological thrillers:

1. The Haunting of Hill House (Netflix)

This one wrecked me. It’s creepy, sure, but the real horror is the way it pulls you into this family’s trauma and grief. The ghosts? Terrifying. The emotions? Even scarier. If you haven’t watched it yet, March is the perfect time—just don’t blame me if you end up crying and sleeping with the lights on

2. The Deliverance (Netflix)

Look, if you’re into demonic possessions and exorcisms, this one’s right up your alley. Now, I’m not gonna lie—there were some questionable scenes that had me thinking, Who in the world thought this was a good idea? But honestly, sometimes a good laugh helps, especially when you’re watching people get yanked across rooms by something unseen.

3. I’m Thinking of Ending Things (Netflix)

You already know it will be unsettling whenever you see Jesse Plemons starring in a movie. This is one of those movies where you finish it and immediately need to Google what tf just happened?! It’s weird, like very weird, and also low-key existential. If you love movies that mess with your head and leave you spiraling in the best way, this one’s for you.

Must-Watch TV Shows: Cozy, Suspenseful, and Everything In Between

Whether you need a feel-good binge, a small-town drama, or a show that keeps you guessing, here are four solid picks for the month:

1. Abbott Elementary (ABC/Hulu)

If you’re not watching Abbott Elementary yet, what are you even doing? It’s smart, hilarious, and relatable to anyone like myself who has ever worked in an underfunded public school with co-workers that you can’t stand but also love. Plus, the episodes are under 30 minutes, so it’s the perfect little escape when you just need a quick laugh (or an excuse to avoid your to-do list).

2. Paradise (Hulu)

The writing in this show is immaculate, and we have to give a shoutout to Sterling K. Brown for executive producing this mind-bending series. It’s a sci-fi drama/thriller that dives deep into political greed, climate change, and control—basically, all the ways humanity might just do itself in. Shows like this make me hope that if the world does end, it’ll happen while I’m resting in peace because whew, chile! I do not have the time (or the energy) to be dealing with a corrupt government while living under a damn mountain eating fake cheese and eggs.

3. Nine Perfect Strangers (Hulu)

In a world where people are constantly influenced by their favorite creators on social media, this show is a major reminder not to trust everything you see on the internet about healing. Nicole Kidman plays a very questionable wellness guru leading a retreat that quickly goes from “transformational” to straight-up unsettling (Think Scamanda vibes). This may be fictional, but I can definitely see this happening in real life. It’s a reminder that not every retreat is worth joining—and this one? Definitely a hard pass.

4. Sweet Magnolias (Netflix)

I honestly find this show to be a little cheesy, but I can’t stop watching it. It’s a heartwarming small-town series with friendships, romance, and just the right amount of drama. Season three is officially on Netflix, and I don’t want to give any spoilers, but I’m glad to see this season end with one of the main characters experiencing joy rather than heartache.

New Premieres: Fresh Picks for March

1. With Love, Meghan (Netflix, March 4th):

The Duchess of Sussex is about to show us how she’s living the soft life, and honestly? I’m not mad at her at all. The amount of scrutiny this woman has faced is more than the average person can probably handle, yet she still stands tall and shares glimpses of her life with us. I’m excited to see what this series will entail. Will you be watching?

2. Deli Boys (Hulu, March 6th)

A dark comedy about two Pakistani American brothers who inherit their father’s shady business—and all the drama that comes with it.

3. The Residence (Netflix, March 20th)

A new whodunit series from Shondaland set inside the White House. Expect scandal, secrets, and plenty of twists.

4. Survival of the Thickest, Season 2 (Netflix, March 27th)

Michelle Buteau is back with more humor, heart, and self-love in this feel-good comedy. If you haven’t watched it, this is your sign to get started on that binge!

Books Worth the Hype: Page-Turners That Stick With You

These books are the kind that spark conversation, inspire laughter, and make you want to text a friend, "You have to read this!"

• The Wedding People – Alison Espach: Who doesn't love a story about a wedding weekend filled with secrets, regrets, and complicated relationships?

• The Vanishing Half – Brit Bennett: If you haven’t read this yet, add this to your TBR. It’s a beautifully written novel that explores racism, identity, sisterhood, and the choices that shape us.

• The Paradise Problem – Christina Lauren: A charming and hilarious rom-com with unexpected depth—ideal for those who love sharp dialogue and a good fake marriage trope.

• My Sister, the Serial Killer – Oyinkan Braithwaite – A darkly comedic thriller about family, loyalty, and, well…murder.

A Spring Cleaning Playlist: Out With the Old, In With the Vibes

Decluttering isn’t just about your physical space—it’s about your energy too. This playlist is designed to help you dance your way through deep-cleaning your apartment or mentally clearing space for something new.

Listen while you purge, reflect and release:

• Love Me Not – Ravyn Lenae

• Come Home – Anderson .Paak ft. André 3000

• Rapper Weed – SiR, WESTSIDE BOOGIE

• Mental Day – Kes

Bonus Escapism Tip: Let Go of What No Longer Serves You

Spring is a season of renewal—use this time to shed what’s weighing you down. That could mean decluttering your home, setting boundaries in your relationships, or simply making more time for the things that bring you joy.

What are you reading, watching, or listening to this month? Drop your recs in the comments!

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