I sometimes complain about my work because the rate of technological change is tough to keep up with, but I am compelled to continue learning every day. There’s a very significant benefit to that, and I agree with the research. I feel it when I’m not learning. It harms me.
Just as our bodies are in constant renewal through processes like cellular regeneration, our minds also crave a similar sense of evolution. When we learn something new, develop a skill, or stretch beyond our comfort zones, we nourish this innate drive for progress. Stagnation, in contrast, often leads to restlessness, frustration, or even depression.
That description of restlessness is familiar to me. That’s how I feel when I’m not engaged in learning something. That’s why I remain curious about the things I care about and why I share so much here and elsewhere online. It’s a motivation for me to continue learning, and that, in turn, helps my mental health.
It’s self-care for me.