The spring semester is in full swing at Utah Tech University, but with sunshine and summertime around the corner, it can be hard to focus on assignments and stay motivated to finish the year strong.
However, students don’t have to enter the semester unprepared, and there are many resources and tips at their disposal.
This phase of the school year is often known as the spring slump, when students struggle to find a rhythm after winter break and experience low academic performance or a lack of motivation. Drops in class attendance are also common, and the cold weather often means the spread of various illnesses.
Brandon Christensen, a staff therapist at UT’s Booth Wellness Center, said sleep disruption, low energy and a lack of enjoyment in daily activities are common symptoms of spring slump.
“In years passed, we call[ed] that seasonal affective disorder,” Christensen said. “People go through a little thing right after Christmas and New Year’s. It’s colder, it’s darker. We don’t get as much vitamin D. [Vitamin D deficiency] can be a source of mood disruption.”
Vitamin D is important in regulating mood, and the limited sunlight during the winter months limits access to the vitamin.
Christensen said that during this slump, students can get behind on homework, which can back up and cause stress during the midterm season.
“Sometimes when we’re done [tired], we are vulnerable to making decisions that will actually intensify the negative emotional space we’re in,” he said. “Not making it worse means we refocus on things that send us in the right direction.”
There are numerous steps one can take in that right direction. Oxford Learning says that focusing on small wins within bigger goals can keep students from becoming overwhelmed. This small-scale goal setting helps students stay motivated and keep track of their progress throughout the semester.
Alongside that, they list consistency with habits and trying new study methods.
Christensen emphasized remembering how students can do hard things and drawing strength from the difficult things endured in the past. He said keeping that hope in mind can help with struggles.
“To ensure I don’t get burnt out, I do a multitude of things so that way there’s variety to my day and nothing gets boring,” said Kendra Lubeck, a senior criminal justice major from Woods Cross. “I have a ceramics, weightlifting and yoga class this semester, and I get to have a couple hours of something refreshing for myself.”
Johana Florian, a senior dance major from St. George, said she turns to her family and her faith for support in times of struggle, and she emphasized the importance of rest.
“I think it is a manner of taking the initiative to take time for yourself to not always push your limits,” Florian said. “Listen to your body and take time for yourself. That can include just having a good cry in your car, watching a movie you enjoy or taking a walk. Whatever is going to benefit you and is specifically focused on what you want or need.”
Lastly, Christensen emphasized remembering how students can do hard things and drawing strength from the difficult things endured in the past. He said keeping that hope in mind can help with struggles.
Lubeck will be graduating early, and she leaves students with one remark about finding a competitive fire:
“If hope doesn’t motivate you, rage will.”
The Booth Wellness Center offers free mental health counseling, and more information can be found here.
