Spring is often perceived as a season of revival – a time when people feel motivated, energized, and refreshed. With longer days and warmer weather, it’s easy to believe that everyone experiences a boost in energy and spirit. But for many students, that expectation doesn’t match reality; instead of a fresh start, spring can feel like the most overwhelming part of the year.
Part of this disconnect comes from the academic calendar. In many schools, spring is not a beginning but a buildup. Research conducted by the American Psychological Association shows that stress tends to peak at the end of the semester, when assignments, exams, and deadlines all combine. Rather than feeling motivated by the change in season, students feel pressure building. Oakmont sophomore Evelyn Sundberg states, “I don’t know, I have so much to get done by the end of the year – it’s stressful, I might not be able to get it all done on time.”
There is also a psychological layer to this experience. Studies by Psychology Today find that spring can intensify certain emotional challenges for some individuals. This is often referred to as the “spring paradox,” where improving weather and rising social expectations create a gap between how people think they should feel and how they actually feel. When others seem happier or more productive, that gap can become more noticeable. “Seeing everyone else so excited that winter is over makes me feel like I should be excited too,” stated sophomore Peyton Salem.
According to the National Institute of Health, biology may also play a role in why spring doesn’t feel as energizing as expected. Seasonal changes affect the body’s internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm, as well as hormones like melatonin and serotonin. While increased sunlight can eventually improve mood, the transition can disrupt sleep patterns and energy levels. An anonymous Oakmont junior explained, “I’m more tired at school now, with the sun setting late I go to bed later.”
At the same time, social pressure is also building as people spend more time outside and share more of their lives online. Students feel an unspoken expectation to be active, happy, and productive. According to the National Library of Medicine, studies show that social comparison can negatively impact self-esteem, especially in adolescence. For some, spring becomes less about renewal and more about measuring up to expectations.
Spring also marks a period of transition, which can bring mixed emotions rather than clarity or excitement. According to Hurry Up and Wait: Developmental Anxiety During the Transition into Adulthood, transitions are understood as moments that involve anticipation – often paired with anxiety; especially for graduating students, who may feel uncertain about their futures. While others are trying to make it through the final stretch of the school year, Oakmont senior Zoe Careras said, “After four years of preparing for my future, for some reason there’s still so much I don’t know – and that’s what’s scary about it.”
The idea that spring should feel like a fresh start is more of a cultural expectation than a universal experience. While the season offers the possibility of refreshment, it doesn’t automatically create it. For many students, spring is less about beginning again and more about enduring. Understanding that reality can make the season feel a little less isolating – and a lot more honest.
