Zoom fatigue and how to avoid it
Always have a plan
Nothing prolongs a video chat like the person who initiated it having no clue what they want to achieve. Insist that the organizer define a clear goal for the meeting and give an agenda of what you'll cover on every video calls you participate in. It will improve the efficiency and productivity of the calls you make. You also have the freedom to decline invitations to calls that aren't necessary.
Schedule effective breaks
Back-to-back Zoom calls have the disadvantage of not providing a mental, visual, or bodily respite. Consider face-to-face meetings. You generally have to get up to move meeting rooms or grab a coffee, even if they're back-to-back.
Recognize that while you're working remotely, you'll need those same breaks. In a day full of video calls, try to arrange some breaks wherever feasible. If complete breaks aren't possible, try "speedy meetings": 50 minutes rather than an hour, 25 minutes rather than 30 minutes.
Those few extra minutes will allow you to stretch, get a cup of coffee, have a fast snack, or take a much-needed toilet break.
Hide the ‘self-view option
The fact that we can actually constantly see the view from our own camera is one of the factors that adds to our emotions of being always "on" in video conversations. To alleviate this sensation, switch on your camera as normal, double-check your illumination, and then turn off self-view.
Others will notice you, but you won't be reminded of it all the time (like in real life). On video chats, this might make you feel less self-conscious.
Multitasking should be avoided
Video conversations have a considerably higher cognitive burden than in-person meetings, so trying to do something else (such as checking your email) at the same time would just worsen the problem.
Minimize other tabs, your email program, and your chat platform as much as possible so you won't be tempted to do anything but focus on the video conversation. While this may appear to be negative, it can really be beneficial.
You'll be more likely to pick up on verbal or nonverbal cues, which means your brain won't be working as hard to comprehend the information.
Meetings should be made shorter
Our meetings' duration has nothing to do with their success or efficacy. Even in person, no one loves long meetings, and extended virtual meetings may be exhausting and unpleasant. Because of the transition to remote learning and virtual work, scheduling even more calls is now easier than before.
Instead, try to keep meetings brief and to-the-point, and use a different form of communication wherever feasible. Take advantage of the additional time to get some much-needed rest.
Make a screen-free time schedule
Designating some video call-free time in your life, even if it's not during the workday, will help you feel less stressed.
It is entirely up to you what you do with that time. You can play with your beloved pet, read a book or meditate.