Starting a new course can 'lift sprits and improve confidence' after gloomy summer.
Developing a new skill or starting a training course could give Brits a much-needed boost after a summer of falling rain, rising prices and grinding economic worries, it has been claimed.
According to research carried out by the Learning and Skills Council, 80 per cent of people said they felt happier and more confident after learning a new discipline, while another 85 per cent said starting a course had increased their creativity and willingness to take on new challenges.
The organisation added that with children headed back to school and winter around the corner, September could be the ideal month to beat the blues with learning.
Psychologist and life coach Anjula Mutanda agreed. After a "pretty grim" summer, she said many people are feeling "down in the dumps".
"Starting something new, like a new course, is a great way of giving yourself a boost," she commented.
"People find it easier to stay in their comfort zones, but learning something new will give you a real sense of self-belief."
The LSC is responsible for developing the UK's further education system and for increasing the skills of its young people in order to maintain a globally competitive workforce.
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