The idea that people start to feel better — happier, lighter, more energized — once April rolls around has gained traction online. It’s called the “April Theory” and while it may sound like just another internet trend, there’s likely some truth to it.
A 2024 study conducted on university students found that students felt better emotionally in spring than in autumn. Their mood and psychological well-being were significantly higher, and academic performance also improved during spring.
Spring, after all, does bring real change. As the days grow longer and brighter, your biology responds as well. According to Peter Walschburger, a professor of biopsychology at the Freie Universität Berlin, humans are wired to rest in darkness and become more active and uplifted when exposed to light. So, on brighter spring days, you’re naturally drawn to the outside world.
This shift is not just about sunshine; it’s about experiencing the environment around you waking up — warmer air, blooming trees and the return of birdsong all play a role. Walschburger calls this a “general resonance effect” — where everything around you begins to stimulate your senses and pull you out of the stillness of winter.
Seeing more people outside, you might also start feeling more connected, more open and in many cases, more hopeful.
With our minds naturally aligning with this brighter energy, spring offers the perfect window for positive change.
Here are three ways you can harness the April theory to your benefit.
1. Use April As A Symbolic Reset
Sometimes, the most significant shifts begin with a minor mindset tweak. April, with its subtle changes, can act as a symbolic turning point — not because something magical happens, but because you decide to see it that way.
There’s something powerful about deciding that a new chapter is beginning — and then letting your mind find the proof. This is where confirmation bias can work in your favor.
Confirmation bias is your brain’s tendency to look for evidence that supports what you already believe. We do this all the time, often unconsciously. If you believe a day will be stressful, you’re more likely to notice the delays or the things that go wrong.
However, if you believe that this month is meant to bring growth, clarity or healing, your mind will start scanning for evidence to support that, too. Your brain will naturally start noticing things that support that belief — like feeling calmer after a walk or more motivated after clearing your space.
Instead of viewing this month as just another calendar flip, use it as a cue to shift your mindset. Try telling yourself, “This is the month everything begins to align for me.” Then, let your actions back that up. You’ll start to notice opportunities and emotional wins you might have otherwise brushed off.
The point is not to ignore discomfort or pretend that everything is perfect. It’s about creating space in your mind where good things can land. Let this month be your permission to believe again — in your capacity to heal and grow.
2. Use The Outdoors To Reset Your Routine
April brings longer days and warmer light. This is your subtle invitation to step outside — literally and mentally. Use this shift in season as a cue to refresh your daily rhythms. Whether it’s taking your morning coffee out on the balcony, walking during your lunch break or ending your day with some time under the open sky — these small outdoor moments can signal to your mind that it’s time for change.
Research published in Psychological Science shows that springtime weather has a significant positive impact on both mood and cognitive functioning, especially when individuals spend time outdoors.
Warmer temperatures and favorable barometric pressure were linked to increased happiness, better memory and greater openness to new ideas — but these effects were most pronounced in the spring and among those who spent at least 30–45 minutes outside. Interestingly, staying indoors during pleasant weather was associated with lower mood, possibly due to feelings of missing out or a contrast effect.
Overall, the findings suggest that pleasant spring weather acts like a natural reset, helping shift mood and mental energy from the sluggishness of winter back to a more vibrant and engaged state. Simply put, if you want to feel better and think clearer, step outside and let spring work its magic.
Use this season to introduce small habits that support your growth. You could start your day with a mindful walk — feel the breeze, notice the colors around you and let your senses anchor you to the present. Even a short walk during lunch or taking a call outside can boost your mood and help you feel more present.
Pair this with some affirmations that align with who you’re becoming. For instance, “I trust myself and I release what no longer serves me.” Try and visualize your next chapter as you move forward with small changes. Do not just think it; feel it. Let your steps mirror your shift. This is your soft, seasonal nudge to come back home to yourself.
A reset doesn’t have to mean making drastic changes. It can look like setting your alarm 10 minutes earlier to sit with your thoughts or swapping online scrolling for a walk outside. Just finding small ways to spend more time in natural light and fresh air can make a real difference in how you feel and function day to day.
3. Align Your Actions With Renewal
Change involves a mindset shift, but also a true shift in your actions. For instance, you could start with your physical environment — clean your room, organize your desk or let go of items you no longer use. A refreshed space can signal to your brain that it’s time for a shift. It’s not just about being tidy, but about creating an environment that feels lighter and more supportive.
A 2023 study also highlights how the overaccumulation of possessions is associated with lower life satisfaction, increased stress and unhealthy coping habits like binge eating. Clearing physical clutter helps restore mental clarity and emotional balance.
Next, turn your attention to your digital life. Unfollow accounts that drain you, delete apps you never use and clear your inbox. These small steps free up mental space and help reduce underlying stress you may not even realize you’re carrying.
Additionally, aligning with renewal goes beyond decluttering. It’s about asking yourself, “What do I want more of? And what am I doing daily that supports that?” Whether it’s peace, energy or clarity, start forming habits that invite those feelings into your life. Additionally, even your self-talk is part of your mental environment. Try and notice the tone you use with yourself. If it’s harsh or anxious, inculcate a habit to pause and gently redirect it.
When your environment and actions reflect your intentions, change starts to feel natural rather than forced. The more you surround yourself with clarity and care, the easier it becomes to show up as your best self. Use this season as your time to bloom — gently, steadily and in alignment with who you’re ready to become.
Softening Into The Shift
While April invites you to feel hopeful and take action, it’s just as important to let your nervous system feel safe with the shifts you’re welcoming in. Sometimes you set new intentions but forget that there’s still a part of you wired to survive in chaos or constant doing. As you welcome in more light, clarity and movement, make sure you’re also staying grounded.
This might mean taking a few deep breaths before making a decision, placing your hand on your heart when self-doubt shows up or simply reminding yourself, “It’s safe for me to grow at my own pace.”
Real change happens when your body feels safe enough to let go of the old. So, as you keep blooming, slow down just enough to notice how much you’ve already grown. April isn’t just about moving ahead; it’s also about anchoring into the version of you that does not need to rush or prove you’re worthy of good things. You already are.
Are you diving into April with a growth mindset? Take this science-backed test to find out: Growth Mindset Scale
