On Vidyard.com, they suggest that we keep these meetings as short as possible and turn our cameras off often to be sure we're not always trying to fix up before every meeting. Sometimes the fatigue comes from getting ready for the meetings rather than the meetings themselves. As much as we may not be the vain type, no one wants to show up for Zoom meetings looking like they just rolled out of bed. It takes work to prepare and on some days more work than on others.
The Harvard Business Review, believes that the most fatiguing part of the Zoom call is that many of us think we can multi-task and still receive full benefit. "We’ve all done it: decided that, why yes, we absolutely can listen intently, check our email, text a friend, and post a smiley face on Slack within the same thirty seconds. Except, of course, we don’t end up doing much listening at all when we’re distracted." It is so tempting to reach over and tap on the keyboard when its sitting right in front of us. By the time we complete four or five 3-minute tasks, we've missed 15-20 minutes of our meeting. Release yourself from jumping through mental hoops and save the other tasks when you can give them your undivided attention.
The Harvard Business Review primarily contributes the mental fatigue to the constant gazing into the camera. Showing that we are listening and paying attention on a Zoom call requires us to be still, look forward and sit without having the benefit of engaging with others the way we would if we were in the same room with them. A quick phone call might be a better option when possible.
According to, The Daily Clog, there are several physical remedies for Zoom fatigue, such as lying flat on the floor or listening to some soothing music or sounds. "Spending the entire day parked in front of Zoom can leave your body feeling all sorts of achy — especially your back. So let gravity do its thing and become one with the floor." Going from a prolonged vertical position to a horizontal position can be very relaxing for both our minds and bodies. As for soothing music, I often opt for listening to singing bowls, with my eyes shut, while enjoying some deep, belly breathes. I can feel the effects of this exercise almost instantly.
Keep in mind that not all communication requires a visual, real-time meeting. There's still email, phone calls, text messages and Google Docs (for updating shared documents). It seems that when the pandemic hit, everyone scurried to make the abnormal as normal as possible and a large portion of what is normal for most is seeing people regularly, having face-to-face discussions and building community through frequent interactions. But how much is too much? I would say that enough Zoom has to be determined by the individual. Many have no Zoom fatigue while others are cringing every time a new webinar is suggested. Therefor it is good to keep in mind the frequency of your meetings and whether or not they truly require a Zoom session. taking this approach will lighten the Zoom load for both the meeting organizers and the attendees.
It does not seem as though masks or Zoom meetings will be going anywhere anytime soon. Practicing some mental and physical exercises to lighten the load may be your best option for now. If you have any tips to share related to combating Zoom fatigue, feel free to share in the comment section below!
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