Autumn lock-in
- Gabriela Sadowska
- Nov 28, 2025
- 3 min read
How to find motivation with the grey sky looming over like a silent reminder that energy you gained over summer is slowly being drained from you? The workload may feel overwhelming combined with the depressing weather. However, it is not impossible to enjoy this time of the year. Colourful leaves and hot tea can serve as a substitute for the long, sunny days. Studying also doesn't have to be as boring as clouds constantly present in autumn.
Sometimes the best solution is to find one thing you enjoy. Small steps make a real difference over time. It could be a seasonal meal, candle light or a simple activity like a walk through the park. Not only does this evoke pleasant emotions but it actually gives you energy because of a rush of endorphins. Finding something pleasant in times like autumn is really important not to burn out . Nobody wants to be sad for over 3 months just because of horrible weather. In fact, this solution could positively impact studying as well. Just imagine reading notes while slowly sipping your favourite drink wrapped in an adorable blanket. Doesn’t it sound better than revising topics with a desk lamp as the only source of light and greyish tones wherever you glance? The answer is obvious so don’t waste your time and discover pleasant aspects of this charming season. Another way to focus is to turn study sessions into a spooky game. Who doesn’t like Halloween or a dose of adrenaline? There are numerous tutorials and ideas on how to achieve such an effect. You could set up dim lights, themed decorations and prepare your notes or a quiz. It is easy to customize and adjust to specific needs. The most important aspect about changing the traditional way of learning into something more exciting is the engagement that a game provokes. Positive emotions enable us to memorize more in a shorter period of time. Boosting your focus in such a way will not always substitute conventional study methods but is an interesting way to experiment and improve motivation. Learning doesn’t have to be boring - it is all up to your imagination and creativity. Poor weather shouldn’t deter students from staying disciplined. There is nothing unnatural in feeling a lack of energy but the crucial things will always be what you do to change such a state or utilise it to develop new ideas for effective studying.
After all, it is your spirit that matters. Don’t let changes in weather affect your mood. You can always find at least one small thing that makes you less miserable. Sometimes everything that is needed is an impulse. Remember - studying isn’t always a chore you have to suffer through. Try a new perspective and discover all the inspiring ways to introduce transformation in your routine. Take matters into your own hands and don’t let anyone discourage you.
Page design: Zofia Kitlas
Bibliography
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Swemmer, Caitlin. “How Weather Impacts Your Mood and Productivity: 7 Profound Insights Backed by Science.” Infinite Weather, 21 May 2025, https://infiniteweather.com/how-weather-impacts-your-mood-and-productivity/. Accessed 2 Nov. 2025.
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