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han14's avatar
Level 1

What to do if learning gets too overwhelming?

So I just finished the theory section in jonas schmedtmann’s 2023 JS course on Udemy, and it was a lot for me. I’m still not confident in completely understanding execution contexts, variable environments, scoping (scoping with function calls threw me off. I’m probably more confused on function calls than scoping tbh), the this keyword, and primitives vs objects. I also feel like I was moving too fast; maybe I should’ve slowed down the videos? https://showbox.bio/

Now I’m on destructuring arrays, but I can’t get the anxiety out of my head. What if I keep forgetting the theory concepts as we go? I’ll have to keep reviewing over and over again. I’m also anxious to the point of overthinking everything I learn. So while I don’t have qualms with reviewing, I’m nervous that since I’ll be so anxious and vexed, I’ll keep overthinking everything I learn.

What can I do to ease my study anxiety, so that I can actually learn and review without overthinking myself into oblivion? Lol. I’m open to any tips

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automica's avatar

Learning anything new can be massively overwhelming, and if you find yourself getting anxious about it, you'll have even more trouble letting it sink in.

Best thing to do is to stop for a bit - go do something else, off screen, and let your brain catch up. I find if i have complex tasks to deal with, or I get stuck on something, going out for a walk or run or ride is great to take your mind off it, and in which case you might get an eureka moment.

I've spent 20+ years in development, still have trouble learning concepts, and struggle when I do. That is not unusual so don't beat your self up if you are finding it hard.

I struggled with udemy, and found @jeffreyway much easier to absorb (hence why I came to laracasts).

As for the knowledge, you don't need to know everything, and shouldnt expect to. Save the links, go back when you have spare moments to learn and get better at googling. You will also benefit by doing if you are struggling with the learning. Build an app, write a test - and these will help cement in the knowledge.

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