According to CNBC, Google executive productivity advisor Laura Mae Martin recommends assigning yourself homework to combat evening burnout after work. The approach involves creating a “personal curriculum” or academia-inspired syllabus for learning new languages, completing art projects, or reading old books. Martin says “anyone can benefit from something that pushes their productivity boundaries” and that humans rely on structure and deadlines for motivation. Research from a 2017 Global Council on Brain Health report shows mental activity helps maintain healthy brains and limit cognitive decline. A 2018 study of over 9,800 adults aged 60+ found those engaging in physical activity and mental stimulation had better cognitive function. Martin even cites her 75-year-old neighbor who just graduated law school as proof learning works at any age.
Why homework actually helps
Here’s the thing that sounds completely backwards: adding more tasks to your schedule when you’re already drained should make things worse, right? But our brains are weird. Structure and deadlines actually give us motivation we wouldn’t have otherwise. When you’re just scrolling through TikTok or rotting in bed, your brain isn’t getting what it really craves – that sense of accomplishment. Martin’s approach basically tricks your brain into finding learning fun again, like using games and flashcards instead of dry reading. It’s about making your brain want to engage rather than forcing it to.
The science behind it
The research here is pretty compelling. That 2017 Global Council on Brain Health report makes it clear that staying mentally active is essential for brain health as we age. Then there’s the 2018 study with nearly 10,000 older adults showing physical activity combined with mental stimulation leads to better cognitive function. And more recent research like this 2023 study continues to support the connection between lifelong learning and brain health. It’s not just about feeling productive – it’s literally keeping your brain in shape.
Making it work for you
So how do you actually implement this without feeling like you’re back in school? Look at what’s already trending on TikTok and other platforms – people are creating personal syllabi for everything from language learning to creative projects. The key is making it engaging for your specific brain. Hate reading? Listen to podcasts about topics you wouldn’t normally explore. Struggle with consistency? Use gamified apps that turn learning into a game. The whole point is to find what makes your brain light up rather than what feels like obligation.
Beyond just fighting burnout
This isn’t just about making your evenings more productive – it’s about building a lifestyle of continuous learning. When Martin talks about her 75-year-old neighbor graduating law school, she’s making a powerful point: our capacity to learn doesn’t disappear with age. We just stop exercising it. The homework approach creates small, consistent habits that keep your brain flexible and curious. And in a world where skills become outdated faster than ever, that mental flexibility might be the most valuable thing you can cultivate. So what’s stopping you from designing your own personal curriculum tonight?
