Why Spring is the Best Time for Resolutions

It's officially May, which means sunny days and blue skies ahead. Some of us are currently in the thick of our New Year's Resolutions that we made back in January. But the majority have already dropped their New Year's goals. The latest research shows that 80% of New Year's Resolutions fail by the time February rolls around.¹

There are many reasons why it is difficult to stick to new goals in the winter. And according to psychology, a better time to make resolutions, and actually follow through on them, is spring. Let's see why your resolutions may have a better chance of succeeding in the springtime, and what factors you can use to your advantage to achieve your goals this season.

Season of Growth

As the saying goes, "April showers bring May flowers", and flowers aren't the only thing growing. Spring represents all kinds of new growth as the temperature rises and nature comes back to life. Trees regain their leaves, animals come out of hibernation, and the birds are chirping again. During these reformative months, many can feel the sense of change in the atmosphere, and this can actually help you set and achieve new goals. In a survey conducted by OnePoll, 73% of respondents stated that spring is the season of change, while 35% said they feel more motivated in the springtime.²

The spring energy is contagious, and this sense of renewed drive and feeling of transformation helps motivate people to create positive changes in their lives. We naturally feel more open to change during the spring, and that makes for the perfect time to successfully implement new resolutions and positive habits for the year.

Increased Sunlight

As the year churns on, the days begin to get longer. This means that people have more hours of sunlight in the day to accomplish their goals. In of itself, having more hours in the day is helpful for getting things done. But a key reason why many feel more energized and ready to tackle their goals in the spring is sunlight. As we enter the new season, many of us have been deprived of sunlight over the course of the winter, and this can have a significant impact on energy and productivity.

Lacking sufficient sun exposure can disrupt serotonin and melatonin, affecting mood and sleep patterns.³ Sunlight helps balance our bodies' natural melatonin rhythms, which in addition to sleep and mood, can improve energy levels. ⁴ Thus, when the sun is out, it's a lot easier to feel energized, well-rested, and motivated to accomplish your goals. For this reason, setting and completing new resolutions can seem much more doable in the spring.

The End of Seasonal Depression

Another reason many feel empowered and able to create change in the spring is that the season marks the end of seasonal depression. As we know, winter is the season of seasonal depression or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and this can cause productivity and overall mood to take a hit. Six percent of the US population experiences SAD in its fullest form, while another fourteen percent goes through a less severe form of seasonal mood changes, known as the winter blues.⁵

When spring comes around again, that seasonal depression gets lifted and people begin feeling like their more productive selves. Additionally, as the weather warms up, people begin spending more time outside. Spending time outdoors is greatly beneficial for mental health and can improve mood and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. ⁶ Further, with more people going outside, they are experiencing higher levels of social interaction, which can also uplift mood and motivation. This happier, more social atmosphere pushes people to improve their habits and daily lives, and helps them actually feel like they can do it.

Take Home Message

All in all, spring sets the perfect mood for working on new resolutions for yourself to better your life. It provides the prime opportunity to shift your mindset from insular and isolated to more externally connected with nature and other people. This spring, try utilizing the warm weather, air of growth, and increased connectedness to take action toward improving your life and well-being. You got this.

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