Staying relevant in your career requires continuous learning, but when you’re already feeling drained, finding the energy to improve your skills can feel overwhelming. So how can you keep learning when you’re exhausted?
 
Start by challenging your belief that you can’t learn when you’re tired. Instead of letting fatigue take over your mindset, acknowledge how you’re feeling without judgment and stay open to what’s possible. Next, focus on learning topics that solve urgent problems in your work; this will create momentum and make the process feel more rewarding.
 
Don’t limit yourself to formal programs. Mentorship, peer-to-peer learning, or even quick tutorials can be more effective and easier to fit into your schedule. Seek out learning opportunities that align with your personal values and goals so they feel meaningful rather than like another obligation. When you emotionally connect with what you’re learning, it’s more likely to become part of your routine.
 
Finally, work with your brain, not against it. Use techniques like spaced repetition (reviewing information at increasing intervals over time) and self-testing (quizzing yourself to reinforce what you’ve learned) to retain information more effectively. Break learning into small, manageable chunks and revisit them regularly to build long-term retention.
This tip is adapted from “How to Keep Learning at Work—Even When You Feel Fried,” by Nihar Chhaya.
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