12 Aug Do You Have Zoom Fatigue?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, video conferencing became all the rage. Many companies turned to video conferencing applications such as Zoom to communicate with their employees and to help their businesses survive. Even schools, charities, volunteer organizations, study groups, and churches turned to these applications. Unfortunately, this extensive use of video calls caused many individuals to experience zoom fatigue.

What is Zoom Fatigue? 

Zoom fatigue is how you process information over video calls. It is how you demonstrate that you are paying attention and processing the information being communicated to you. During video calls, it is easy to stare out the window, multitask, etc. You can also view yourself during each call, causing you to criticize your appearance, expressions, etc.

What You Can Do About Zoom Fatigue

Unfortunately, for many workers, you cannot run away from video calls. These applications have become primary modes of communication. However, there are several things you can do to combat zoom fatigue. They include: 

Give Yourself a Break

Following a video call, give yourself a break from technology. Get outside and go for a short walk. Tidy up your workspace. Read a chapter in your favorite book. Do not turn off the call and stare at a computer screen for several more hours. Taking a break will give you a chance to clear your mind and rejuvenate yourself. You don’t need to take a long break either, a short 15-minute break can do the trick. 

Avoid Multitasking

It can be tempting to multitask during a video call. This may make you feel more productive and that your meeting is not a waste of time. However, it is only draining your mind and body more quickly. During your video calls, put away all distractions. Try to focus on the individual who is speaking. If you need to take notes to pay closer attention, do it. 

Send More Emails and Make More Phone Calls

If possible, try to find a better balance between video calls, emails, and phone calls throughout your company. While many people utilize one platform that they are familiar with, too much can be a bad thing. By breaking it up and communicating using different methods, it will add a little variety and cause a better balance in your day. 

If you have a lot of information to relay, consider a video conference if you can keep the meeting short, send an email,  if you only need to communicate with one or two individuals, stick to phone calls. 

Hide Yourself

Video conferencing can be exhausting because you have to pay attention at all times. You do not want to break eye contact, you fret about your appearance, and you worry about your facial expressions. To make these meetings a little less stressful, hide the video of yourself. Many video conference programs have features that allow others to see you but the view of yourself is hidden. If this is still too much, you may want to turn your camera off altogether. 

Zoom fatigue is real and can make a workday exhausting. Be aware of how you are feeling after a video call and use the above tips to help make these meetings a little more bearable and productive.