Burnout, fatigue, technological influence, exhaustion, excitement, helpful, intriguing, rest, and self-care. All these emotions and things came to mind as I was reading the articles for this week’s discussion. Burnout is what I am currently experiencing at my current job and I know this based on how I feel mentally, physically, and emotionally. Prior to reading these articles, I had a great deal of information about burnout as I have and am currently experiencing burnout and I have friends and family who are experiencing burnout. Technology-mediated practices is a new concept to me and as I am reading the post, articles, and other research formats, I now understand how technology can contribute to this mental fatigue, burnout, and emotional exhaustion. Our minds can control the entire body, and the proof is in the need for mental health practitioners as opposed to healthcare professionals according to MacDonald.
Routine/Fitness and Attitude/Outlook resonated with me out of the four areas from Hilty, et. al., Fig. 2. As I have mentioned, I am currently experiencing currently experiencing changes and delays, frequent sick days, errors/missed details, few skills/unused (definitely), and workload too high. I am also experiencing these characteristics as well: feeling off, cynical, lack of motivation, withdrawn, and apathy. First, I need to identify the root cause of all these emotions and feelings and go back to the basics and foundation, prior to this stage of burnout. Creating a functional schedule and really sticking to the schedule to include self-care, rest, and breaks as needed. I used to listen to music, podcasts, and read positive quotes, scriptures, and/or affirmations prior to starting my day. Also, being present and in the moment can really help me balance out these moods. I have to feed my mind, body, and spirit with healthy food, movement, rest, and positivity. Yoga is definitely a game changer in shifting those negative emotions to more optimistic emotions.
The human factor in tech figure is an issue that I am currently facing. I think the way for me to address this issue is to create boundaries and have tech-free time. I think that scrolling through social media and watching funny reels and skits can be down time when it’s increasing my fatigue. I think that my brain needs rest and some down time from all forms of technology, even if it’s educational or beneficial, there’s just a time and place to rest. Setting an alarm to take the necessary break and just being still, breathing exercises, meditation, and some mindful and positive thinking or just plain old school daydreaming can start to shift my mind and thoughts daily.
While reading the opinions of MacDonald, there were quite a few observations, however what resonated with me the most was the boundaries between work life and home life and that working from home impacted burnout levels. I do understand that working from home, actually had a more positive impact on workers’ lives, especially after the pandemic. There was a deeper connection with family and friends, self-care became a must and no longer an option, and the work-life balance seems to increase more positively. However, according to MacDonald, working from home can increase the level of burnout and blend the lines between work and home. I would have to agree with MacDonald as well. Yes, I have been engaged in remote, technology-mediated practices as a result of budget cuts prior to the pandemic and my agency eliminating traditional ‘brick and mortar’ offices. Technology use is daily and the entire shift. As I have mentioned, the way to prevent burnout would be to shut the laptop down, set timers, have an organized, flexible schedule, and self-care.
Ratcliff’s definition of ‘burnout’ was very accurate to me. Ultimately, burnout is stress, feeling overwhelmed, and as mentioned in most social work, therapy, and public service positions, it’s expected. This description is accurate in my experience as there are several factors that can lead to burnout, especially the example of someone who works extremely hard, is stressed, and sets high personal standards of achievement, this resonated with me the most. I did look at one of the references (Sultan 2017) as it relates to what I am currently doing to help alleviate some of my stressors by keeping a journal and writing about my experiences. I have not taken the MBI, however I am curious to see what my results would and then get some feedback on how to move away from ‘burnout’. The suggestions that Ratcliff provided for burnout were very helpful, essentially providing the history of these recommendations and the positive impact. Self-care is ultimately what can help everyone overall, especially in social work. I always love the example of ‘securing your mask if cabin oxygen should decrease on the plane, before assisting someone else’. As a parent, I would want to naturally help my child first, however I may not have the opportunity, if I pass out before getting that mask on, so I have to help MYSELF first and then help my child. This is a motto that can take us all into a more positive and healthy state.
(**True story: my daughter looked at my laptop screen and saw the picture and said, “Mommy that picture is you in real life”! Wow!**)
Hi! I appreciate you sharing your own experiences with burnout; it made your post feel very real and relatable. I also liked the way you connected Ratcliff’s ideas to your daily life, especially your point about needing tech-free time and recognizing when even “positive” tech use (like educational videos or funny skits) can still add to fatigue. That is a level of self-awareness I think a lot of us struggle with. Your comment about journaling stood out to me too. I think reflective practices like that really align with the mindfulness Ratcliff talks about.
Hey! I really appreciate your honesty and self-awareness in sharing how burnout is affecting you right now. It’s powerful that you can recognize the symptoms and connect them to what the readings described. I agree that identifying the root cause and returning to the basics like rest, structure, and mindfulness is such an important first step. It’s easy to overlook how much our minds control our bodies until fatigue starts showing up physically, like you mentioned.
I also relate to what you said about technology making burnout worse. Sometimes scrolling through social media feels like a break, but it’s really another form of mental stimulation that doesn’t allow our brains to rest. I like your idea of scheduling tech-free time and using that space for breathing, daydreaming, or meditation it’s such a realistic way to recharge.
Your reference to the “secure your own mask first” example really stood out. It’s a perfect reminder that we can’t pour into others when we’re drained ourselves, especially in helping professions like social work. Your plan to rebuild through structure, self-care, and mindfulness shows a lot of strength and awareness, and I think many of us can take inspiration from that.
Hi! I loved the honesty and humor in your blog post this week. My youngest recently asked the babysitter if I was going to “a meeting” when they came to watch him so I could go out for the evening. She thought it was so funny but more of a wake up call to me, it can be a blessing at times they are unfiltered mirrors. I also have experienced the loss of brick and mortar work location for cost saving and although I did not go often the loss of the option to work there and use facility has been felt.
I respect and it is inspiring that you are aware of how to help yourself and what works best for you. Although sometimes easier said than done. Yoga has also been a game changer in my life and mindset.
Kimberly,
Really nice job on this post! I also want to thank you for sharing your personal experiences. If it’s any consolation, you aren’t alone, as many of your classmates are talking about similar realities. And I can relate as well.
I think all of your thoughts about how to help with this reality are excellent ones. The hard part is actually doing it, right? I have the same goals and desires, and yet I still find myself sitting in front of a screen more often than I would like. I think the journal idea is a great one. It can accomplish more than one thing – as it helps to move you away from the tech-mediated work, it also provides you with an outlet for thoughts and feelings that other things cannot. Try morning pages, as an option. Easy for me to say – I haven’t done my own in a long time.
Just an FYI, if you put your image in the Featured image option on the blog edit screen (on the right side with all the other menus all the way down), then we can all see it better at the top of your post. And “ouch” with your daughter’s comment. Out of the mouths….
Really nice job.
Dr P