Autumn Wellbeing: Looking After Yourself While Studying and Working

As the days get shorter, the mornings darker and the temperatures drop, autumn can be a challenging time of year. When you’re balancing full-time work alongside studying for professional exams, it can feel like there’s barely enough time in the day to fit everything in — let alone look after yourself!

With work commitments, study deadlines and exams to prepare for, it’s easy to put your own wellbeing at the bottom of the priority list. But looking after yourself isn’t a luxury; it’s an important part of staying healthy, motivated and on track with your goals.

Here are five simple ways to protect your wellbeing this autumn.

1. Get outside and make the most of daylight

When you’re working and studying, it’s easy to spend the entire day indoors, particularly when it’s cold and wet outside. However, getting some natural daylight and fresh air can help support your mood, energy levels and sleep routine.

Try taking a short walk during your lunch break, getting outside before work or stepping away from your desk between study sessions. Even 10–15 minutes can provide a welcome reset. You don’t need to run a marathon — a brisk walk with your favourite podcast is a great place to start!

2. Make your study routine realistic

When you’re juggling a full-time job and studying, there will inevitably be days when you’re exhausted and your concentration is low. Rather than expecting yourself to study for hours every evening, create a realistic plan that works around your energy levels and other commitments.

Break your revision into manageable chunks, prioritise the topics that need the most attention and schedule regular breaks. Remember, consistency is more valuable than perfection. A focused 30-minute revision session is better than spending two hours staring at your notes when you’re too tired to take anything in.

And if you need an evening off, give yourself permission to take one. Rest is part of an effective study plan, not a failure to stick to it.

3. Protect your sleep and recharge your batteries

Dark mornings and colder evenings can make it tempting to stay up late scrolling on your phone or to rely on caffeine to get through the day. But when you’re balancing work and study, sleep is essential for concentration, memory and managing stress.

Try to establish a consistent bedtime, wind down without your study materials just before sleeping and avoid leaving your most demanding revision until you’re completely exhausted.

It’s also worth remembering that you don’t have to use every spare moment productively. Sometimes, watching your favourite series, reading a book or having an early night is exactly what you need.

4. Stay connected, even when life gets busy

When deadlines approach, social plans can be the first thing to go. You might feel that every spare hour should be spent revising, especially if exams are approaching.

However, maintaining connections with friends, family and colleagues can help you feel supported and prevent studying from becoming isolating.

You don’t need to organise an elaborate weekend away. A quick phone call, a coffee with a friend or a cosy evening with someone you care about can make a real difference. Try to plan something enjoyable each week that gives you a reason to switch off from work and study.

5. Be kind to yourself and recognise your progress

Balancing full-time work with professional studies is a significant commitment. There may be weeks when you feel on top of everything and others when you struggle to keep up. That’s normal.

Try not to compare your progress with other students. Everyone has different responsibilities, circumstances and ways of learning.

Instead, acknowledge the small wins: completing a difficult topic, sticking to your revision plan or asking for help when you need it. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, speak to someone you trust, your training provider or your employer about the support available to you.

Most importantly, remember that your exam results do not define your worth or your potential.

Your wellbeing matters all year round

Autumn doesn’t have to mean putting your life on hold until your exams are over. By making small, manageable changes to your routine, you can protect your wellbeing while continuing to make progress towards your qualification.

This week, try choosing just one thing to prioritise — whether that’s getting outside during daylight, scheduling an evening off or going to bed a little earlier.

You’re working hard towards your future, but you deserve to feel good in the present, too.