Do we teach our brains that studying is a 'punishment'?

This is something most of us are guilty of. Looking for 'escapism' to get a break from the tough stuff we do: Work, studies, life in general. The challenge is the messaging we're giving our brains: "If you just study for two hours, then we can spend time on something 'nice'"... this teaches our brains that the stuff we 'have' to do, is punishment, for which we're rewarded by entertainment, and probably stuff that doesn't have long-term benefits for our lives and careers. All my students tell me how passionate they are about their careers, their studies, but mentally switch off the moment I talk about something that's not going to be in their next exam. Does your brain think that studying is a punishment? It's a tough question, but an interesting one. We know that life is tough, challenging, mentally exhausting. How do we stay mentally alive, focussed, passionate, and not fall into the trap of wanting mindless escapism because we're tired? (When you find the answer... let me know too!!!)