Before reading the articles, I never fully considered how much technology-mediated practice contributes to fatigue symptoms among professionals who rely on multiple platforms. Solely depending on these systems can be mentally draining. From my own experience, working across multiple apps, managing several email accounts, monitoring systems, Teams, and EMRs, can be overwhelming and lead to information overload. This constant engagement also blurs the boundaries between work and personal life. Because these apps are so accessible on our devices, it becomes easy to continue working outside business hours, increasing the risk of losing privacy and balance.

In the Continuum From Health to Fatigue to Burnout, I resonated most with the sections on routine and fitness. I believe maintaining a routine and setting clear standards when working with technology-based practices are vital. Being mindful of usage, taking breaks, and keeping workloads manageable are essential to prevent fatigue. A flexible schedule is key to success; without it, overlapping tasks and multitasking can lead to errors and burnout. The burnout indicators, which highlight increased sick days and high workloads, directly relate to disruptions in routine while trying to regain balance.

Workspace, screen time, and ease of work can also affect performance and well-being. Many office professionals spend most of their day in front of a computer, which can cause eye strain, back pain, and fatigue from sitting for 8–12 hours. I mitigate this by using blue-light glasses and allowing natural light into my office rather than relying on overhead lights. Although I do not have a standing desk setup, I’ve witnessed the benefits of such adjustments. I also make a point to take 15-minute walks outside during the day to rest my eyes and reset mentally.

Technology can also affect social and interpersonal relationships. Constant virtual meetings can lead to feelings of isolation and reduced emotional connection. To counter this, scheduling occasional face-to-face meetings is beneficial. Setting boundaries between work and personal life, such as turning off notifications after hours, helps prevent burnout. If something work-related comes to mind after hours, I find it helpful to schedule emails to send during business hours instead of sending them immediately.

Using features like “Do Not Disturb” on devices can reduce interruptions, and noise-cancelling tools can improve concentration. However, technology can both decrease and increase errors in the workplace. When faced with information overload or constant interruptions, attention to detail can suffer, leading to reduced confidence and efficiency. Taking breaks, slowing the pace of work, and focusing on quality over speed can alleviate these issues.

After reading MacDonald’s article, I resonated most with her discussion about having greater control over one’s life through remote work. In my previous role, I had two telework days each week, which was highly beneficial, especially since I often worked evenings and weekends. Since losing that flexibility two months ago, I’ve found it challenging to reestablish my routine. I also relate to MacDonald’s concerns about privacy during video calls and blurred work–life boundaries. These can be managed by using blurred or virtual backgrounds and setting clear alarms to signal the end of the workday.

I also agree with Ratcliff’s definition of burnout as stress related to working with people. This is especially true in social work and other human service professions, where the work is deeply personal and emotionally demanding. When goals feel unattainable, it can lead to emotional exhaustion and withdrawal. Although I currently work in public health rather than social work, both fields share many similarities, and I feel drawn to explore more studies addressing burnout and self-care. I would even be interested in taking the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) to assess my current capacity, as burnout often goes unnoticed, especially by those who believe they perform best under pressure, which is not always healthy.

I find Ratcliff’s suggestions for preventing burnout especially impactful. Being aware of personal stressors is the first step, followed by creating a self-care plan tailored to individual needs. While self-care will not eliminate stress entirely, it helps manage it more effectively. Consistency is key. Self-care should not be reserved for times of crisis but practiced regularly through the ups and downs of one’s professional journey.