- In many ways, Zoom meetings have become the new normal. Most people didn’t have the time to get used to this change, nor was there a way to gradually adapt to it.
- We shed light on what zoom fatigue is and identify symptoms and ways to overcome it.
As more companies have committed to continuing remote work, either for an extended period of time or even permanently, Zoom has become the dominant communication platform.
There’s no doubt that Zoom often makes joining a meeting easy and convenient, but this method of connection also has disadvantages.
Zoom fatigue is an emerging phenomenon and represents the different ways of feeling overwhelmed. It’s not just about Zoom, it’s about all audiovisual software used for business.
I got on the phone with a group of people I hadn’t spoken to in a while. A woman seemed a little distant, almost angry. I sent her a private message via chat to ask if she’s ok. She responded with, “Yes, I’m fine. I’m just tired of staring at that damn screen every day.” I suspect she’s currently suffering from Zoom fatigue.
How Can You Tell If You Have Zoom Fatigue? Let’s examine four common symptoms and how to overcome them.
1. General lack of focus
In many ways, Zoom meetings have become the new normal. Most people didn’t have the time to get used to this change, nor was there a way to gradually adapt to it.
This is especially the case when your Zoom meetings require the camera to be on all the time. You need to concentrate more intensely, but at the same time you lose focus more easily since you are not talking to people face-to-face.
The solution to this is to avoid multitasking during a Zoom meeting. It might be easier said than done, but the cognitive load will add up and continue to disrupt your much-needed focus. Minimize browser tabs, put away your phone and focus solely on what’s happening in the meeting instead.
2. Eye irritation
We all spent too much time in front of screens before Zoom meetings even took over the business world. But with regular daily video calls, eye strain can become significant.
You may find yourself rubbing your eyes during or after the meeting, and they may also feel sore. Vision problems can also open the door to headaches, excessive tearing, and even blurred vision.
To alleviate that sign of Zoom fatigue, resting your eyes by looking at something different for about 20 seconds every 20 minutes can be immensely helpful. It will help your eyes readjust and fight this problem.
3. Fear of a meeting
When it comes to work, anxiety can come from a variety of sources. However, if you find yourself feeling overly anxious about the upcoming Zoom call for no reason, you may be in the clutches of Zoom fatigue.
This fear can manifest itself as constantly postponing the call or even avoiding attending the meetings at all costs. If anxiety overwhelms you, it’s best to speak to a mental health professional.
You could create a clear daily schedule for your meetings and set a schedule to stick to. One of the reasons people experience Zoom fatigue is that meetings often run longer than necessary.
4. Anger over minor issues
One of the most troubling things about zoom fatigue is that it creeps up on you in unexpected ways. You might feel good while preparing for a call, but the next moment you lose your temper because the internet connection is bad or your headphones aren’t working.
As soon as you talk on the phone, you may feel frustrated and irritated with your co-workers.
The best way to combat this particular issue is to completely overhaul the approach to Zoom and work life.
If you have a say in the planning, make sure you only hold Zoom meetings for essential matters. If you are feeling particularly stressed, turning off video should be encouraged.
Only use zoom to your advantage
We have so many incredible technological innovations as people are constantly looking for new ways to make our lives easier and more productive. Zoom and similar platforms are a representation of these ideas.
However, there is always that limit that is too easy to cross when there is no balance. Just because Zoom meetings are quicker to set up than in-person meetings doesn’t mean there has to be pressure to attend everything and never hang up.
This pressure leads to the much-discussed fatigue. It is our responsibility to always look for new ways to overcome them.
You need to be aware of the early signs of zoom fatigue so you can then step back and regroup. Remember that your mental health is just as important as your physical health.
Thanks to P Lorraine Wigglesworth | #Signs #Zoom #Fatigue #Overcome