By Joe Wicke

Study habits are an essential tool for college students. As the spring semester comes to an end, many are finding that getting some fresh air could be the solution they need to improve their grades. 

Many studies in college research centers have linked working outside with improved mental health. Lindsey Walter, a freshman microbiology major and volunteer counselor for the Help Center at the University of Maryland, researched this topic for an English class this semester. They found that the outdoors provides mental relief to the brain. 

“It’s proven to be a stress relief and an antidepressant due to vegetation and greenery,” Walter said. “Being outside is also linked to increased cognitive ability and better mental and physical health.”

The American Psychological Association echoed these benefits, citing lower stress, improved happiness and an increased attention span.

Walter emphasized attention span as a particular benefit when students study outside of their room. From their experience, these often claustrophobic spaces can be a vehicle for increased distractions and stress. 

“Sitting in a room, there’s a lot of distractions (happening) outside,” Walter said. “(Being outside) is much more relaxing and you’re not in a stressful, industrial-lighting environment.”

The outdoors also benefits another student’s resource: sleep. Exposure to sunlight can help maintain a circadian rhythm, also known as the internal clock, allowing for students to feel more well-rested, according to a study conducted by the University of Basel in Switzerland.

Henry Quach, a freshman journalism major, also highlighted that being outside on campus can allow for much more daily physicality. 

“It definitely helps you balance your physical health a lot,” Quach said. “You can walk around on campus, run, bike around and it allows you to work on your cardio a lot.”

While studying outdoors comes with its benefits, it does have a few drawbacks. Caleb White, a junior communication major, felt that there was less accessibility when working outdoors compared to being inside. 

“A lot of students study at McKeldin Mall and they don’t have access to chairs or blankets,” White said. “They have to sit on the grass and study in weird positions, like laying down to see their computer.” 

Students have less control over their surroundings when outside, particularly with distracting noises, Quach said.

“(Outside noise) is bound to happen with the vehicles and construction,” he said. “I feel like that’s one of the main drawbacks.” 

Regardless of where a student chooses to study, most find they work best in a calm, distraction-free environment. 

“For me, I just like to keep it simple,” he said. “As long as I have a desk, my notes and my computer and the door’s shut, then that’s what I prefer.” 

For any environment, ensuring that students follow a routine while studying rather than cramming can reduce stress, Walter said.

“I think the best way to maximize studying is to block out a schedule and understand where and how you want to do things,” they said. “This way, I have a schedule to follow and it makes it a lot easier to get things done since I can check it off a list.” 

Whether studying or not, Walter recommended that students should spend a few minutes outside a day to improve their physical and mental health. 

“Make it a goal to spend a certain amount of time outside or get some fresh air,” Walter said.  “Even step outside for a little bit and if it’s nice enough, stay out.”

Featured image: Mckeldin Mall on a sunny day. Photo taken by Joe Wicke.