Zoom Fatigue: What It Is, and What You Can Do About It
Working from home means constantly being online on Zoom and social media, which can be draining and taxing
Early this year, due to the lockdowns brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, private employers across Metro Manila have mandated their employees to work from home, either completely or in shifts. In the first few months of quarantine, traffic decreased, internet usage went up, and public spaces—like coffee shops, malls, and restaurants—became ghost towns. Now that the economy has slowly begun to open up again, with Metro Manila being under general community quarantine, some semblance of normalcy has returned. While many industries are still temporarily shuttered, like live events and theatre, there are some that are able to flourish in the digital space, and some that have been able to adapt.
As Metro Manila heads into another month of general community quarantine, many companies still have their employees working from home, which means meeting online—either via Zoom or some similar service, like Google Meet, or through social media—continues to be the norm. But it’s not just work-related matters that make use of video conferencing apps—these days, even social gatherings with friends and family take place on Zoom, because of the continued need to social distance. Until a vaccine becomes widely available and safe for use, it’s likely that our holiday celebrations this year will play out via video calls and group messages, further emphasizing what is known as Zoom fatigue.
Zoom Fatigue: What It Is and What To Do
Zoom Fatigue: What It Is and What To Do
What is Zoom fatigue?
According to Psychology Today, Zoom fatigue is the term being used to describe the “tiredness, anxiety, or worry” resulting from the excessive use of virtual platforms of communication, like Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, and Microsoft Teams, among others. In July, Reuters reported that there are 300 million daily users of Zoom; today, that number is probably even higher. Zoom has become a staple in our daily lives, whether we like it or not.
Why are video calls so draining?
Researchers believe video calls are more draining than face-to-face interaction because of how unnatural it is. “Like other experiences associated with the pandemic,” writes Jena Lee, M.D. in Psychiatric Times, “Zoom fatigue is widely prevalent, intense, and completely new.” Beyond that, video calls also make us more prone to losing focus, according to the Harvard Business Review.
Why are video calls so draining?
During Zoom calls, we end up multitasking, especially when our videos are off. It’s easy to minimize the Zoom window and work on other tasks, like checking off other things from your to-do list or engaging in a completely different conversation with another colleague in some work thread somewhere else. It’s also hard to participate in a Zoom call if you don’t have a private space all to yourself, since you’re constantly trying to make sure your dog isn’t barking or your kids aren’t being rowdy in the background.
Why are video calls so draining?
The Harvard Business Review also points out that Zoom fatigue comes from how we process information over video. Our having to engage in what they call a “constant gaze” is exhausting and uncomfortable: “Without the visual breaks we need to refocus, our brains grow fatigued.”
What can we do about it?
Don’t worry—because of the suddenness and intensity of Zoom fatigue, it’s become an important area of study for many researchers. In the following slides, we round-up tips to help fight Zoom fatigue, remain productive, and allow for a sense of normalcy to return.
Employ a routine.
Now more than ever, it’s important to have a robust daily routine. Because our homes have become our offices, the separation of work and rest is becoming blurred. Start a routine, and stick to it. Wake up at a consistent hour, and don’t jump into work immediately. As much as possible, avoid working on your bed or in your bedroom; it’s important to have a dedicated work space that’s conducive to productivity.
Take consistent breaks.
Looking at screens all day is extremely exhausting. Before the pandemic, you could look up from your computer and talk to a coworker. We don’t have that opportunity now, so make sure to sneak in quick, consistent breaks in between your tasks. If you’re in a long video call, consider minimizing the window and looking away, letting your eyes rest even for short moments at a time.
Avoid multitasking.
According to the Harvard Business Review, “researchers at Stanford found that people who multitask can’t remember things as well as their more singularly focused peers.” As much as possible, try not to multitask when you’re on a video call, and limit the distractions around you. HBR suggests closing your email inbox during the call, putting your phone away, and most importantly, staying present.
Reduce screentime.
Because you’re on your computer and your phone all day, it’s a good idea to reduce your screentime when you’re off work. If you can, lessen your phone use and limit TV-watching time. Instead, try reading a book or engaging in another kind of hobby—one that will give your eyes a change of pace, allowing it to rest and reset.
Photos from Unsplash
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