The first day of spring is approaching, around March 20, and as winter ends and spring begins, many students may notice a change not just in the weather but also in their own behavior. This behavior can be explained scientifically, as spring is also known to have neurological effects.
According to ewtonian.com, seasonal transitions can affect the motivation, focus, and overall mood of students. The increase in daylight during spring plays a major role, as it is proven that sunlight influences the brain and its production of serotonin, a chemical connected to mood, focus, and feelings of well-being and positivity. More hours of daylight as the year progresses can mean improved mood and higher levels of energy for students. This information alone may explain why people often feel more productive, motivated, or optimistic during the spring months.
Some students even say they feel the difference as soon as the season changes. Freshman, Mason Velilla said, “To me, when spring starts, I definitely feel like I have more energy during the day, unlike in winter. Usually, it puts me in a better mood.” This proves that these changes can be noticeable in school, because it could lead to students feeling more motivated to participate in class, or get involved in sports and extracurricular activities.
Additionally, research from health.harvard.edu explains that exposure to natural light, such as sunlight, also helps regulate melatonin levels, which is the hormone that controls sleep. During the winter season, shorter days can disrupt sleep cycles and can contribute to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), or more commonly known as seasonal sadness. When spring arrives and daylight hours increase, the melatonin levels within the body are able to balance once more, which often results in improvement of sleep quality and the clarity of mentality.
However, the seasonal shift from winter to spring does not always affect everyone in the same way. Even if some people may feel a boost in energy, others may find the season restless and may have difficulty adjusting to the change in routine that the season provides. Although school schedules may remain the same, longer days and warmer weather might make it more difficult to concentrate on indoor matters. Experts suggest that sustaining a consistent sleep schedule, spending time outside as the weather warms up, and staying active can help the brain smoothly adjust to the new seasonal routine.
For more information about how spring can affect your brain, visit etownian.com and health.harvard.edu.
