As the bitter Winter weather comes to a close, online and hybrid students alike are spending more time outside to enjoy the newly warm weather. Here in Lexington, Va., the temperature has reached as high as 80°F in the last few weeks. With the sun shining and Springtime just around the corner, spirits have been lifted left and right. Senior Addison Suter is on the hybrid school schedule and spends much of her time outdoors and doing physical activity. 

“Being outside is one of the best things for my mental health as I’m sure it is for others. As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, my mental health steadily goes up. Not only do I love the outdoors, but it is a comfort place for me,” said Suter. “I feel closer to the earth and more grounded, and feeling the heat of the sun on my face is always a bonus which makes the experience ten times better. I have also grown up canoeing, kayaking, and hiking with my family, so the outdoors gives me an extra feeling of safety. I was in a canoe before I was a year old and have gone on multiple week camping trips. I am so excited for spring because it means I can go on more hikes with friends and family that end in jumping in a river.”

Senior Ashlee Baker is another student who feels as though there is a connection between the high temperatures and sunny days, and her and others’ mental health. 

“As Spring is approaching and the weather gets warmer, my happiness peaks. It’s almost as if the sun literally gives off happiness. The ability to be active and utilize the outdoors makes me feel so good. Serotonin levels increase while outdoors, which explains why we love soaking up the sun,” said Baker. “Being able to hammock and walk in the sun during these warmer days helps me maintain my positive outlook on life and improves my mood.”

Junior Olivia Casey is an online student who values her time outside all year-round, but especially on the warm days that we have been getting lately. 

“The promise of warm, sunny days powers me through the cold winter months. The warm weather and time spent outside during spring lifts my mood tremendously. Being able to go outside allows me to be more social, feel connected with nature, and overall makes me happier,” said Casey. “Spring and summer are my favorite times of the year.”

Senior Molly McCabe is an online student who also attends dance classes often at the Rockbridge Ballet. That being said, she has a lot of structure and obligations, but relies on warm weather to get her through. 

“Warm weather greatly improves my mood for many reasons. Warm weather means spring and summer are here, and it is typically during these seasons that I feel my worries and anxieties start to melt away. A big reason for why this is is because the warmer seasons usually mean the end of school,” said McCabe. “School generates most of my stress and anxiety so when I start to feel the warm weather come I’m reminded that the misery school brings is soon going to cease. I also love being able to go outside,be in the sunshine, and do more nature activities. During the summer, my schedule is a lot more open, so I get to spend more quality time with my family and friends which never fails to make me happy.”

The end of this abnormal school year is approaching very quickly, and students can feel it as the weather gets warmer and their spirits are lifted. Spending time outside is a great way to safely be social and improve one’s mood.