Springtime has arrived at Iowa State, and students can experience a range of changes influenced by environmental, academic and social factors. With the academic year coming to a close and warmer weather approaching, students face a complex mix of excitement and discretion.
Zlatan Križan, professor of psychology, explained how the seasonal change affects student’s behavior, particularly in relation to mental health, academic focus and sleep patterns.
“There are two key changes happening when we move from winter to spring,” Križan said. “First, the natural increase in daylight hours, and second, the shift due to daylight savings time, which forces us to adjust our clocks forward.”
The change in daylight, while helpful for boosting moods, can disrupt sleep schedules. Križan emphasized that many students experience a loss of sleep due to the time changes, which can affect their academic performance and overall well-being.
“When clocks are moved forward in spring, it essentially means students are waking up an hour earlier because they don’t always adjust their sleep schedules,” Križan said. “This results in temporary sleep deprivation, which can affect focus and productivity.”
As the semester progresses, students can often feel a shift in their energy levels. Spring is a time when students are eager for the upcoming weather of summer, making it more challenging to maintain focus on their coursework.
“Students are closer to the finish line, and it’s common to see a decrease in motivation enduring this time,” Križan said.
The physical environment also plays a role in how students manage the transition into spring. The shift often encourages students to become more active.
“When it’s warmer, I’m more motivated to go to class because I can walk instead of taking the bus,” Parker Litterick, a junior in agricultural communication, said.
Križan highlighted how the shift is important, considering the relationship between outdoor activity and mental health. Specifically, he emphasized how more exposure to sunlight and outdoor activities can reduce the effects of conditions like seasonal affective discovery (SAD).
“When the days get longer, students tend to feel better both emotionally and physically,” Križan said. “The improvement in mood can be significant, especially for those who may have struggled with the winter blues.”
Litterick said she often feels better in the spring because she can get outside.
“My mental health feels better in the spring because I can get out and be active,” Litterick said. “It feels like the goal I’ve been working towards all year is finally within reach.”
However, with spring semester can offer potential benefits it also presents challenges.
“With the warmer weather, there’s often a desire to escape campus and enjoy the outsiders,” Križan said. “This also means students may struggle to stay focused on their academic responsibilities as they near the finish line.”
Litterick echoed Križan in struggling more in the spring.
“I feel like I do better work in the fall than in the spring,” Litterick said. “I think a lot of it has to do with my focus levels.”
As students navigate the demands of academics and the warmer weather. Maintaining mental and physical health becomes increasingly important, Križan said.
“Make sure you’re taking care of yourself, physically, mentally and academically,” Križan said. “Rest, manage your stress and stay active. These steps can make all the difference as you head into the final weeks of the semester.”
