During the months of February to April, California’s weather is always different from day to day. One day it’s bright and sunny, then the next day it might be raining cats and dogs. Students at San Jose State University have been taking advantage of every warm and sunny day that they can get.
With daylight savings finally here, there is no doubt that more students will be seen enjoying time outdoors, because sunny weather generally contributes to greater levels of happiness.
“April showers bring May flowers” is a popular saying that perfectly describes the natural cycle of the spring weather. We first have to experience the gloomy and rainy weather in order to have a beautiful spring.
During the cloudy, cold, and rainy days, students are more reluctant and less motivated to attend class, and it’s especially difficult for commuters who have to drive to class in the traffic when it’s raining.
According to the Mayo Clinic News Network, “People can feel more tired with less light due to the neurochemical or brain hormonal changes that occur with a change of season or less light. A common chemical that regulates that is called serotonin.” Reduced sunlight can potentially lead to lower energy levels and motivation at a time when students need it the most.
In addition, midterms put a huge layer of stress on college students. The pressure of studying for exams combined with the gloomy weather can cause unnecessary amounts of dread and anxiety. Sleep patterns can also be disrupted as a result, which is a big struggle during midterm season.
When the sun is out, on the other hand, students experience higher serotonin levels, and they get more vitamin D. During the extremely stressful midterm seasons, the sunny weather allows for them to study outdoors, which can increase motivation because it makes studying enjoyable rather than dreadful.
Tower Lawn at SJSU is super popular and a great spot where students love to spend time by playing catch, studying, or even just sitting down and relaxing. Making use of the sunlight during the transition from winter to spring can improve students’ moods and allow them to destress a little bit.
As summer slowly approaches after the “May flowers” have bloomed, students feel accomplished after completing a difficult spring semester. Much like how nature needs rainy days in order to create beauty, the challenges and academic stress that college students face can help them grow and develop.
It’s important to care for your mental health during this season, so be sure to take advantage of the sunlight as much as you can!
Do you enjoy the rainy weather or do you prefer the sunlight? What are your thoughts on daylight savings? Let us know at @HerCampusSJSU on instagram!