How to Avoid Zoom Fatigue

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, video conferencing has made its way into many facets of daily life. If you’re a student, chances are distance learning (or eLearning) is now a major part of your curriculum. Depending on your job, your schedule may be filled with virtual meetings. On top of that, for just about everyone, interacting with family and friends has required a lot of screen time.

While it’s very important to stay connected, it’s also important to note when video conferencing is taking a toll. After a particularly busy week, excessive video meetings may leave you unusually drained. It’s a phenomena experts are calling zoom fatigue – a condition where you simply want to throw your computer out the window and call it a day.

Luckily there are plenty of ways to avoid zoom fatigue and all of its collateral damage. First, take a look at your schedule. Since virtual meetings require little movement, dedicate a few minutes before and after calls to moving about. If you’re able to, go for a long walk after your last meeting or before your day gets started. Yoga or meditations are also helpful.

Next, take a look at your surroundings. While most of us obviously can’t fashion a beautiful sea-facing window out of nowhere, we can certainly add nice touches to our surroundings: a photo of a loved one, a nicely-scented candle, or even a keepsake that makes us smile.

Lastly, create a ‘digital survival kit’ with a water bottle, a stress ball, a candy you enjoy, and eye drops to keep you feeling sane.

Don’t forget to remind yourself that it’s normal to feel Zoom fatigue. It’s all about taking little steps to prevent burnout. You can always turn over a new leaf by revisiting these tips and taking it day by day.