Fatigue, Merriam – Webster defines it as “weariness or exhaustion from labor, exertion, or stress.” Another more apt definition is “a state or attitude of indifference or apathy brought on by overexposure.” We’ve been constantly exposed to unprecedented disruptions that being tired is part of the new normal. This pandemic has left us in different states of fatigue that has spawned a few Covid-19 era terms such as: lockdown fatigue, Covid fatigue, and the newest addition to this trend, Zoom fatigue.
Due to remote work and virtual learning, the use of video conferencing platforms such as Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Skype, and similar platforms have skyrocketed since the beginning of the pandemic. The feeling of being anxious and overwhelmed, and generally being tired of jumping on back-to-back calls for work or for school has been coined as Zoom fatigue. This term was coined because Zoom has been the most popular platform. However, this can happen on any video conferencing app.
If you think you or anyone from your team (or even your classmates) is experiencing Zoom fatigue, here are 3 ways to overcome it:
Pad your calls
If you’re using a booking link at work, pad your calls 5 to 10mins in between. This will ensure that you get a 5 to 10min break in between video calls. If you don’t use a booking app, you can manually block off time in your schedule for short breaks. Be absolutely protective of this break and let everyone know that you’re serious about not taking calls during this time. Suggest alternative times for people who push back. If you absolutely can’t get out of back-to-back meetings, consider taking mini audio-only breaks by minimizing the window, moving it behind another application, or (if permitted) turning off your camera.
Practice the 20-20-20 rule
Constant staring at the screen makes us hyper-aware and self-conscious. Without visual breaks, our brain can grow fatigued. In order to refocus, you must also give your eyes a break by trying out the 20-20-20 rule. It goes like this: For every 20 minutes you spend staring at a screen (any screen), take 20 seconds to look at something that is 20 feet away. This optometrist-vetted rule can help reduce eye strain, relax the eye muscles, and improve your eye health.
Stick to the agenda
If you are hosting a meeting, send a well-prepared meeting agenda beforehand. This ensures that everyone attending the meeting knows what to expect beforehand. It also helps to keep you accountable for sticking to the agenda and making sure it does not go overtime. An agenda also helps set the efficiency of the flow of the meeting and shows that you respect other people’s time.
If you’re attending the meeting, hold the organizer accountable for sticking to the agenda and suggest that you practice timeboxing if you suspect that the meeting can go overtime.
Have you ever experienced Zoom fatigue? How do you deal with it? Share them with us in the comments. Remember to work smart and be a blessing to someone today. Stay safe and healthy!
Written by Jaie O. TheHelp