With the seasons gradually changing from winter to spring, so are many people’s moods. There is no longer the stress of bare trees, frigid weather, and everything being dead, it’s no wonder people’s moods are improving. 

“I feel like I get happier when the weather is better. It boosts your serotonin when the sun is out and it’s not cloudy,” said sophomore Ellie Barnett.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) commonly occurs in times of less sunlight and includes symptoms of depression. On the bright side, with the temperatures creeping up, the sun out longer, and spring activities starting again, the overall mood of students is starting to become happier. 

Many factors besides the weather, however, can contribute to the student body feeling down during colder months. Those factors can include the stress of school work and keeping up grades, sports, as well as extracurriculars made for warmer weather that comes to a halt with the changing of the seasons .

“I think the school work also has a big impact on [student’s mental health] as, once it is gone, it frees up more time for [students] to do things they enjoy but didn’t have time to do during the school year,” said Barnett. 

Unfortunately, weather puts limitations on what students are able to do. These restrictions do not allow students to perform what may be stress-relieving activities. 

“You have more activities to do. When the sun is out and the weather is warmer, you have more options to take up your free time. You also get watermelon,” said sophomore Emily Choi. 

Self-image can also have a visible impact on someone’s mood. For example, some aspects of one’s appearance that they may enjoy, such as lighter hair, tanner skin, and freckles from the sun disappear in the winter, leaving them missing until summer. 

“I get more tan in the summer and I am not as pale, which I really like. The sun also makes my blonde hair even lighter and gives me some freckles too,” said Barnett.