March Newsletter: The Vernal Equinox
- Gretchen Pound, PhD
- 16 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Spring Equinox arrives on March 20 this year, marking the moment when day and night are nearly equal in length. From here forward, the light begins to stretch. Mornings brighten earlier. Evenings linger.
For many of us, this shift is more than seasonal — it is neurological.
Light directly influences our circadian rhythm, which regulates sleep, mood, energy, and focus. As daylight increases, the brain adjusts its production of melatonin and serotonin. Some people feel an immediate lift in mood. Others notice restlessness, disrupted sleep, or a surge of mental energy that feels both inspiring and overwhelming.
For individuals with ADHD, seasonal transitions can be especially noticeable.
More light can mean:
• Increased energy and idea generation
• Improved motivation
• Greater distractibility
• Heightened impulsivity
• Sleep shifts that affect focus
ADHD brains are highly responsive to stimulation — and light is a powerful stimulant. Spring can feel like a mental “engine rev,” sometimes before our routines are ready for it.
If you or your child feels scattered this time of year, you are not doing anything wrong. Your nervous system is adjusting.
Here are a few ways to support regulation during the seasonal shift:
Protect sleep. Even as evenings get brighter, keep wind-down routines consistent.
Use morning light intentionally. Step outside early to anchor the circadian rhythm.
Externalize structure. Visual schedules and written plans reduce mental overload.
Channel energy physically. Movement helps metabolize restlessness.
Pause before overcommitting. Spring enthusiasm can lead to burnout by May.
The equinox reminds us that balance is dynamic, not static. Equal light and dark. Activation and rest. Inspiration and containment.
Spring is not just about blooming — it is about recalibration.
As the days lengthen, notice what is rising in you. Energy? Creativity? Irritability? Hope? All of it is information.
You do not need to rush the season. Let your nervous system catch up to the light.
UPDATES:
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Please note Dr. Pound's upcoming days off: March 7 and 8, 2026.
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And Remember
"I want to make a difference in people’s lives!
I work to ensure everyone has an
equal opportunity to succeed."
-- Gretchen Pound, PhD
