Build skills and balance

Your guide to growth and wellbeing

Build skills and balance
Build skills and balance

posted 12 May 25

Search Editorial Team

Learning resources to help you progress in your career - Without burning out 

In today’s fast-paced world, the pressure to “keep up” can feel overwhelming, especially in the current job market. Whether you’re between roles, seeking a promotion, or simply want to stay sharp, it’s easy to believe that professional growth has to come with stress. But the good news? That’s not true. 

You can grow your skillset, boost your confidence, and move forward in your career, without compromising your mental wellbeing. In fact, learning new skills can often enhance your mental health by giving you a sense of structure, control, and personal achievement. 

This guide offers practical, accessible, and free (or very affordable) ways to build your career, while also looking after yourself.

52% of adults in the UK report that they are either currently learning or have done so within the past three years.

52% of adults in the UK report that they are either currently learning or have done so within the past three years.

Continuous learning for your wellbeing 

Upskilling has long been seen as a way to improve employability, but its benefits go much deeper. When done at a manageable pace, learning contributes to personal growth, fulfilment and wellbeing. 

Here’s how continuous learning supports both professional growth and mental health: 

Boosts confidence and self-esteem 
Learning new skills or gaining knowledge gives you a sense of achievement, which can boost your confidence and make you feel more capable and empowered. 

Can reduce loneliness
Group learning environments, courses, or professional development sessions can introduce you to new people, helping reduce feelings of isolation and improving social wellbeing. 

Keeps the mind active 
Regular mental stimulation helps maintain cognitive function, reduces the risk of mental decline, and can even help prevent conditions like dementia later in life. 

Stronger sense of purpose
Setting learning goals and working towards them can give your day structure and a reason to stay motivated, especially during periods of transition or uncertainty. 

Tackles stress 
Engaging in a learning activity you enjoy - like picking up a language or hobby - can be a great way to relax and focus your mind, reducing anxiety and stress levels. 

According to a study by the Learning and Work Institute, 52% of adults in the UK report that they are either currently learning or have done so within the past three years. Those who take part in learning are more likely to feel optimistic about the future and experience better overall wellbeing, with the participants reporting a range of benefits, including increased enjoyment of learning (30%), increased self-confidence (26%) and improved skills needed to do their job (25%). 

Top ways to learn without burning out 

Burnout doesn’t come from ambition; it comes from imbalance. That’s why learning needs to fit around your life, not take it over. Here are some smart, sustainable ways to build your skills while protecting your mental health. 

1. Embrace micro-learning: Just 10 minutes a day 

You don’t need to block out hours of your week to make progress. Micro-learning is about short, focused sessions that gradually build your knowledge. Just 10–15 minutes a day can help you master a topic over time. 

Try: 

  • Coursera (free online courses and guided projects) 

  • TED-Ed (bite-sized educational videos) 

  • BBC Maestro (video courses in creativity, cooking, wellness, business & more) 

2. Learn through podcasts: Feed your mind, free your hands 

Podcasts are a great way to absorb knowledge while doing other things such as commuting, cooking, or exercising. They’re engaging, easy to access, and often packed with expert insight. 

Recommended podcasts: 

  • WorkLife with Adam Grant – Psychology and productivity in the workplace 

  • How to Be Awesome at Your Job – Career tips, time management, soft skills 

  • The Ed Mylett Show – Interviews on mindset, success, and personal growth 

  • Squiggly Careers – Navigating career changes, strengths, and values 

  • In Our Time – Historical, scientific and philosophical topics 

  • Ologies with Alie Ward – Science 

  • Everything Everywhere Daily – Stories of interesting people, places and things from around the world 

  • Grammar Girl – English grammar 

  • Stuff You Should Know – Fun approach to learning about anything 

3. Tap into free online courses 

There’s never been a better time to learn for free. World-class universities, major employers, and nonprofits are all offering open-access learning online. 

Top platforms: 

  • FutureLearn – UK university-led courses in business, mental health, and more 

  • OpenLearn – Free learning from the Open University in a wide range of topics 

  • Coursera – Audit university-level courses from Yale, Stanford, and others 

  • Khan Academy – Excellent for foundational subjects like maths, science, and finance 

4. Learn with and from others 

Learning is more fun and more effective when it’s shared. Whether it’s joining a free webinar, engaging with a study group, or watching live Q&As, collaborative learning helps keep motivation high. 

Where to connect: 

  • LinkedIn communities and learning groups 

  • Skill-sharing groups on Facebook and Reddit 

5. Balance your learning with wellness 

Remember, you’re a human, not a machine. Learning should add to your life, not overwhelm it. Here’s how to keep wellbeing front and centre: 

  • Set small, realistic goals, and celebrate when you hit them. 

  • Schedule breaks, movement, and screen-free time. 

  • Don’t compare your progress to others, your pace is your own. 

  • Mix learning with creativity: journaling, music, or art can help reinforce what you’ve learned. 

A balanced approach to growth 

Career development isn’t a race. Whether you’re aiming for a promotion, changing careers, or just staying sharp between roles, the key is consistency. By blending learning with self-care, you set yourself up for long-term success, not short-term burnout. 

So take that first step. Start with a podcast on your next walk, or explore a free course that sparks your interest. Progress is progress, no matter how small. 

Need help getting started? 

If you're job seeking, talk to a recruiter about the top skills employers are looking for in your sector, then find a free course to match. It's a simple way to make your CV stand out and feel good doing it.