Wisdom Wednesday: What is Learning Fatigue and How to Ease the Burden

In this month’s Wisdom Wednesday, I discuss learning fatigue and how to ease the burden.

You’ve possibly been at the computer the majority of the day, and yet another reminder or meeting notification pops up. If you’re anything like me, you are far from excited. Your eyes will probably glaze over as you try to muster the energy to engage. But instead, you just feel total exhaustion. You’re not alone in these feelings. Many workers and students are experiencing burnout or anxiety around finding that extra energy to stay engaged.

Fortunately, you can do something about it. Watch on now to learn what that is.

Read the show notes

Consider this it’s the end of a long workday. This workday could include meetings, setting deadlines, writing reports or going to school or University. You’ve been doing this all day….  A reminder pops up on your phone or computer, reminding you that you have an exam to study for or an online lecture or training session starting in five minutes. If you’re anything like me, you are far from excited. Your eyes will probably glaze over as you try to muster the energy to engage. But instead, you just feel total exhaustion.

You’re not alone in these feelings. Many workers and students are experiencing burnout or anxiety around finding that extra energy to stay engaged. Fortunately, you can do something about it. But first, what is learning fatigue, and why does it happen.

There’s so much for the brain to process at once with online learning:

• Text

• Images

• Animations

• Videos

The online world is a sensory smorgasbord. This multi-sensory way of learning can exhaust the sensory part of the brain.

5 traits of learning Fatigue

1. Exhaustion

2. Anxiety

3. Stress

4. Burnout

5. Weariness

According to a recent survey, 69% of working students are experiencing burnout. Even the most motivated people are feeling that one more learning session might be too much.

1.      Keep going back to your why

Keep referring to your why. Why are you doing this study? Why is it important?

2.      Have regular study breaks

When we sit around looking at a screen, we tend to get tired. When you notice you’re feeling this way, get up and have a stretch, go for a walk, or run.

Lack of oxygen leads to fatigue, and moving around will help relieve this.

3.      Throw away your to-do list

Sometimes looking at your to-do list and all the things that need to be done can be stressful and fatiguing. For a day or two, write down what you have achieved.

4.      Change your space

If you’ve been studying a lot in your bedroom, move to another part of the house for a different type of energy and perspective.

5.      Reward Yourself-

After a good study session, reward yourself with a cup of coffee or something you love to eat, watch a movie or go out with friends.

6.      Get help when you need it

If you are still feeling anxious and tired after a while, go and talk to someone you trust, like a friend, parent, or doctor.

7.      Learn to Unplug

Being on your computer or other screens all day will lead to screen fatigue. Having downtime away from your screens is essential. Try to have 15-20 minutes away from your screen for every 45 minutes on your screen.

8.      The constant thoughts

It can be tough to switch off when constant thoughts are running through your head. Try to have time out in nature, rest, or watch a favourite movie. Something that allows your mind and brain to relax.

9.      Have a lie down on the floor

With your legs up above your head for 5-10 minutes. This lets the blood run back to your brain and relaxes all your muscles.

So go ahead and choose 1, 2 or even 3 of the above to do during the day to ease that brain and body pressure.

Zoe