By Kathryn Roth, Staff Writer
With spring break ending, and the weather turning from cold and rainy to sunny and warm, River Hill students have been noticing a change in their attitudes. Now that the days are getting longer and more enjoyable, students tend to be in better moods and are more motivated to complete their homework, so they can go outside and enjoy the rest of their day.
Scientifically, there is an explanation for this change in thought process. It is referred to as seasonal depression, though a lot of people might call it the “winter blues.” Overall, people tend to be moodier, sometimes to the extent of being depressed, simply because of seasonal patterns. Since it’s getting warmer out, it is the time of year when SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) is in its off phase and people can enjoy life a little bit more.
This seems to be affecting a variety of high school students. Freshman Samara Resnick explained, “I definitely am in a better mood when it’s warm out, and I feel like the warm weather definitely makes me feel more awake and motivated to do things because when it’s raining it’s just gloomy and makes me tired and lazy.” There is a reason that many people see the sun as a symbol of happiness.
A lot of seniors took this into account when picking what colleges they might go to next fall, including Senior Becca Tow. “I’d say seasonal depression definitely has a major impact on me, and was one of my biggest deciding factors in choosing to go to college in Florida next year.” Becca continues, “It was agreed upon with my family that a warm environment all year round would all around be better for my mental health.” A student’s environment is a big factor that can affect their mental state, with weather being a contributor to changing moods.
A lot can come with warm weather, as kids will feel like they can spend more time outside or sit with a window open and enjoy the fresh air. Many people believe that they feel more productive in a warmer, more freeing environment such as spring. Junior Kylie Stuart added, “I feel like seasonal depression definitely affects me. I’m much less productive in the winter and it takes a lot more effort for me to go out and do stuff than it does in the summer.” Spring and summer give students more opportunities in environments to live in instead of being stuck inside all the time.
Some students have a hard time understanding how weather can affect mood. Junior Shayna Safeer elaborates, “I’m definitely happier when it is warmer outside and I really can’t explain why, it just happens, and then somehow I’m just more in the mood to do things rather than just sit inside.” Senior Maddie Antevil adds, “I’m looking forward to the warm weather ahead because I feel my mood improving and my productivity increasing as the temperature rises already!”
For most people, spring and summer, the seasons that come with warm weather, fresh air, and flowers tend to be when people are more open to new possibilities and create a healthy environment for themselves and others. Being productive takes a lot of intention, but at least the sun smiling down can help a little bit more.