Kanter Center Newsletter
March 2026
-Renewal, Transitions, and Emotional Growth as Spring Approaches-
March is a month of in-between spaces. Winter has not fully released its grip, yet signs of Spring begin to stir. This transitional energy often mirrors what many people experience internally-hope mixed with fatigue, motivation tangled with overwhelm, and a desire for change that can feel both exciting and intimidating.
This month's newsletter explores the emotional landscape of March and offers supportive tools for individuals, families, and communities navigating the sense of renewal.
Intern Spotlight: Celebrating Ms. Nikki
The Kanter Center community extends our heartfelt thanks to Ms. Nikki for the dedication, passion, and care she brought to our clinic throughout her internship. Her presence made a meaningful impact on the clients she supported and on the culture of warmth and learning she helped strengthen within our team.
As she transitions into her doctoral program, we celebrate this exciting next step and wish her every success on her journey. We look forward to seeing her continue to grow, thrive, and make a difference in her studies and future career.
The Emotional Impact of Seasonal Transitions
As daylight increases and temperatures shift, many people notice changes in mood, energy, and focus. For some, March brings relief from winter heaviness; for others, the unpredictability of weather and routines can feel destabilizing.
Common March Experiences:
- Feeling restless or eager for change
- Fluctuating energy levels
- Difficulty maintaining routines
- Increased irritability or impatience
- A desire to "start fresh" but not knowing how
Supportive Strategies:
- Reintroduce gentle outdoor movement
- Create small, achievable goals for the month
- Practice grounding exercises during moments of restlessness
- Revisit routines that may have slipped during winter
Spring Cleaning for Mental Health
March is a natural time for clearing out what no longer serves us-physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Try a "Mental Health Spring Clean"
- Declutter your environment: Even one small space can create a sense of control and calm.
- Release emotional buildup: Journaling, therapy, or creative expression can help process winter stress.
- Refresh boundaries: Reevaluate commitments, relationships, and habits that drain your energy.
- Recommit to self-care: Choose one practice to nurture consistency this month.
Self-Harm Awareness Month
This month brings important attention to compassion, understanding, and support for individuals who struggle with self-harm.
Key Reminders:
- Self-harm is often a coping strategy for overwhelming emotions
- Shame and secrecy can deepen distress
- Supportive, nonjudgemental conversations can open pathways to healing
- Professional help is essential and effective
How to Support Someone:
- Listen without trying to "fix"
- Validate their feelings
- Encourage them to seek professional care
- Offer steady, patient presence
Neurodiversity Celebration Week
March also includes a global celebration of neurodiversity, honoring the strengths, perspectives, and lived experiences of autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, and other neurodivergent individuals.
Themes to Highlight:
- Neurodiversity is a natural and valuable part of human variation
- Strengths based approaches foster confidence and growth
- Accommodation is acts of inclusion, not special treatment
- Emotional regulation tools benefit everyone, not just neurodivergent people
Family and School Friendly Ideas:
- Create a "strengths wall" celebrating unique talents
- Practice sensory friendly mindfulness activities
- Read stories featuring neurodivergent characters
- Encourage kids to share what helps them feel calm and focused
