The Hampton Script

Ja’Nia Keith | Script Writer

According to scientists at Boston University, when the seasons change, they can also change your mood. With the warm spring weather here, spring cleaning can benefit your mind, body, and dorm. Psychology professors and students reflect on how spring cleaning positively affects them.

Hampton University’s Dr. Karen Walker studies social psychology. She focuses on how the people around us affect our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. She describes people as “social animals.” 

Dr. Walker notes that spring cleaning is a time to create a new environment for yourself. A time to make yourself organized. 

“It feels great,” she said. “Having a fresh start revives you and gives [you] more energy.” 

Tatiana Blair, a first-year, 5-year M.B.A. business major from Bronx, New York, said that spring is one of her favorite seasons because it makes her feel like she is getting a new start. For Blair, spring cleaning represents a new chapter in her life.

“It’s letting go of the depressing winter,” she said. 

About 10 million people, ranging from ages 18-to 30, suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.), according to Boston University. S.A.D. occurs when the seasons change. It more commonly occurs during the cold winter months.

Being a college student is all about balancing out different factors in life, once at a time. It is more than just having an orderly room. It is also about having and maintaining a fresh mindset. Some ways you can improve your spring cleaning are: 

1. Buying a Planner/Calendar- Being able to plan for the week you have ahead of you, will help to stay organized and unscattered.

2. Break from Social Media- There is nothing wrong with cutting ties with the internet world for a little while. This will help to stay focused on more important tasks.

3. Working Out- Exercising is one of the best ways to keep your mind and body healthy. It is also a way to relieve yourself from any stress or frustration that may have been caused.

4. Cleaning your Dorm- Cleaning your space can be a transcending experience. When your surroundings are cluttered, cleaning can clear your mind and room. 

These are just a few tips to help get rid of anything lingering to make space for the things you embark on. 

Treat your mind like you treat your room.