Learning something new takes a lot of effort

Learning a new city and institution requires a lot of effort and puts a lot of cumulative strain on our brains. Our brains are forced to create new patterns of familiarity by the simple act of navigating a new learning management system or new city. Those small tasks add up quickly. When setting research and writing goals for a new job, we frequently overlook the sheer energy that newness saps from us, even if we are generally positive about the change

Jenn McClearen. November Writing Roundup.

The simple act of navigating unfamiliar systems and surroundings forces your brain to create new patterns of familiarity, which can be mentally taxing. The next time you’re putting yourself under pressure for not meeting certain expectations (probably those you set yourself), remember that you’re in the process of learning, which can be mentally demanding.

And then be kind to yourself and let it go.