Spring has arrived on campus – a time of growth, abundance, and weather that can’t decide if it wants to make, or break, your day. I’m sure I can speak for everybody when I claim that the fitful days of sunshine have been the perfect remedy for curing any lingering winter blues. I find that their inherent positive energy can be translated into motivational and academic fuel.  

Say a firm ‘Goodbye!’ to that S.A.D, as the evenings get brighter, and the promise of summer seems to be brushing your fingertips. Flowers blooming around campus, butterflies and birds following you to your lectures, and the ability to finally sit outside for a study session or catch up with friends – spring is the perfect time to harness that extra energy.  

So, here are three steps you can take to make the most of this new season and to prepare you effectively for the final months of the academic year.  

Spring Clean & Declutter 

Flowers blooming around campus, butterflies and birds following you to your lectures

Granted, when the sun comes out, our first instinct may not be to dive into household chores, but there is a reason why the term was coined ‘a spring clean.’ A clean space equals a clean mind – take this time to give your room a thorough tidy. A cluttered, chaotic room can lead to anxiety and feeling overwhelmed. With a new season arriving, and a little break from lectures, spring is the ideal time to focus on getting your space in the best state possible. In an article from Newport Healthcare, research indicates that a clean room connects to better overall mental health. Not only this, but the process of cleaning itself also has several mental health benefits such as increased endorphins, emotional regulation, improved focus, and more. 

During your decluttering process, take this time to organise your wardrobe, and make way for lighter jackets, shirts, and maybe even…shorts. (I advise you to keep your coat to hand for a few more months given the nature of our lovely British weather.) Take advantage of your decluttering by using some eco-friendly reselling platforms, such as Vinted, to sustainably get rid of some of the clothes you no longer want and start curating your spring wardrobe. 

Try a new hobby  

Spring is the season of rebirth and change, so channel this energy of growth into a new personal goal. With wellness on the rise, and a better environment for outdoor activity, here are a few productive activities you may find enjoyable: 

Lose yourself in a compelling narrative and kill the habit of doomscrolling.

Yoga – taking time to cultivate the mind, body, soul through gentle movement and specialised breathing techniques. There are a multitude of mental and physical health benefits to daily yoga practice, and its grounding abilities make it perfect for those experiencing stress. 

Running/walking – joining a run club, or going solo jogging with your favourite playlist blasting, the improving weather is the greatest motivator to get outside and get moving. 

Reading – try a new book. Challenge yourself to read a genre you are perhaps not too familiar with. Lose yourself in a compelling narrative and kill the habit of doomscrolling. 

Baking – baking is a great activity for many reasons: healthier alternatives to store-bought processed sweet treats, a fun thing to do and share with friends, and you end up with a delicious product of your time. 

Slow down and enjoy the day 

Find enjoyment in the small things that we take for granted

Spending upwards of sixth months in grey skies is a tough challenge, so don’t feel guilty for indulging in the outdoors and sunshine when possible. Grab a coffee with your friends or head to a beer garden for some chill drinks outside. With the days getting longer, this is also a great time to get some studying hours in, and you won’t feel as though it consumes your entire day. 

With the end of the academic year in sight, it is vital that we prioritise our mental health and happiness. The steps above are aimed at helping you to reset and refresh, to make yourself ready for any new upcoming challenges.  

 So, my overall top tip for making the most of spring would be to find enjoyment in the small things that we may otherwise take for granted – the flowers, the walks with friends, the wildlife, and the fresh air!