When you've had multiple calls on Zoom, Skype, or Teams already and have to hang out with friends virtually after work, you are likely to feel a kind of exhaustion from all that screen time. That's what "Zoom fatigue" is, and yes, that's actually a thing these days.
Introverts may have had this feeling for a while, but now even extroverts are succumbing to Zoom fatigue. Good thing we all can do something about it and improve our video conferencing experience.
How to Prevent Zoom Fatigue
Instead of using your computer, use your phone to call in to some of your meetings. Voice calls can be less stressful, especially when you've been in front of the screen the whole day. Voice calls also allow you to move around and do something else instead of becoming the "living headshot" your work entails you to.
Try walking around the house while engaged in a phone call; perhaps stare out the window, or sip something cool while the other person on the line is talking. Not having to face the screen all day will also lessen eye strain, which might have been plaguing you for weeks now.
If you have the power to do so, never allow back-to-back meetings to happen. You should give your brain a chance to breathe. And while taking a breather, don't underestimate what the power of a glass of water can do. Keep yourself hydrated because the lack of water can actually cause headaches.
You can also prevent Zoom fatigue by taking down notes using a pen and paper instead of utilizing a second screen. Not everything has to be done using a computer -- allow your eyes and brain to take a break.
Additionally, taking notes by hand has been found to improve retention in the classroom. This can be applied in virtual meetings as well. That said, you might want to brush up on your penmanship -- you don't want to end up having trouble deciphering what you've written.
Lastly, try to set up a home office that's neither your bedroom nor your living room. Remember that your focus is to work, and you can be more efficient without external distractions. Learn to set boundaries, so if you have roommates or kids around the house, make them understand that work and play are two different things and should not be mixed.
We'll have to live knowing there's a pandemic for who-knows-how-long, so you better get used to the new normal, which means staying at home and doing most things online.
