2/08 Spoon Theory: How to Learn When You are Tired

Some days, your brain just says no. No focus, no motivation, no capacity — but the world (and your professors) keep moving anyway.

Join the Duke Neurodiversity Advocates (DNA) for a conversation on how to keep learning when you’re running on low energy. We’ll explore spoon theory, fatigue, and realistic study pacing for neurodivergent students and anyone whose brain and body don’t always cooperate.

We’ll go beyond “time management” and talk about what actually helps:

• Understanding fatigue: what drains your mental energy and why neurodivergent exhaustion hits differently.

• Energy accounting: how to use spoon theory to track what costs energy and what restores it.

• Low-spoon learning: methods that make studying less tiring (multimodal learning, micro-studying, focus bursts).

• Preventing burnout: building recovery and rest into your schedule without guilt.

• Real talk: how to set limits, advocate with professors, and drop the “lazy” narrative.

As always were meeting in Rueben Cooke at 7!