Zoom has made it easier for us to attend meetings and stay connected, but it may also be contributing to burnout. So, why does Zoom burn us out?
A 2021 study observed video conferencing communication increased the cognitive demands of participants. This happens because users have to coordinate the conference call, create the illusion of eye contact and physical presence, read incoming messages, and process the content on the call simultaneously.
Here are some practices that can help you prevent fatigue.
Ground Yourself
Take a moment for you. Try moisturizing your hands, having a snack, filling a water bottle, or taking a breath break before you log into your Zoom meeting.
Take Breaks
Schedule mini buffers between meetings. Use that time to stretch, take a lap around your house, or do a few desk exercises.
It’s Okay to Cancel
Advocate for your mental and emotional wellbeing because only you know what you need.
Ask if you are a “need to have” or a “nice to have” at the meeting. If you don’t need to be there, it’s okay to ask for notes in lieu of attending. You can also ask someone else to take notes for you, request a recording to watch later, or ask if you can reschedule for another day.
Finally, before adding another Zoom to the schedule, ask yourself a few questions: Could this be an email? Could this be a phone call?
If you answer yes, it’s okay to suggest or schedule an alternative way to get the work done.
