Three tips to avoid Zoom Fatigue

Just because the word “Zoom” is followed by the word “Meeting” doesn’t mean it is the same as a regular meeting.

In a regular meeting, people take notes, look out the window (while still paying attention) and move around when they start feeling restless.

In a Zoom meeting, you are expected to look straight into the camera. All the time! So that people know you are paying attention.

This makes Zoom meetings more draining than regular meetings and is one of the main reasons people experience Zoom fatigue.

So here are three tips to make Zoom meetings less draining.

1. Turn the camera off

This might seem counterintuitive at first, but you actually listen better to what people are saying when there is no video. And more importantly, you pay better attention to HOW they are saying it.

Which leads us to number 2…

2. Don’t look at the screen

Unless there is anything very important being shared on the screen, you can take the opportunity to relax your eyes. You will probably look at the screen for the rest of the day anyway, right?

A good exercise is the “20-20-20 Rule” where you look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.

And since you turned off your camera, no one will think you are not paying attention while doing this.

3. Take regular breaks

This is one of the most important things to do.

Since a Zoom call drains your focus faster, you need to recharge more often. And since you are not in the same room, it is hard to pick up on the subtle signals that someone needs a break.

So schedule a short break every 30 minutes or so and remember to move around, stretch or just relax.

Try it now and in your next Zoom meeting!

And if you can’t come up with what to do on the break, _let us choose one for you.