I used to draw a lot when I was younger but I fell out of it a while ago. Recently I've occasionally picked it up and I've been surprised at the results; I actually enjoyed the process and let it flow naturally. I found I really liked the end result and got a sense of pride from it.
The issue comes in when I try to consistently draw in my free time. Without fail, I get that first spark and then subsequent efforts feel like work and agitate me. I don't know if I'm trying stuff outside my current ability (I still struggle with people especially) or if I'm practicing the art incorrectly.

All this to ask: what are some basic drawing exercises/tips/tricks to get back into it and/or hone basics? I understand the basic idea of building everything off a circle/shapes and then adding detail in after you have a solid foundation but other than that not much. Like I said I have always struggled with people but I seem to do somewhat better with animals and stuff that was already drawn to begin with.