diversify the interactions a little bit. You know have some phone conversations, have some zoom conversations. Have hours that are really, totally, totally without any screen time at all.”
So how does one overcome “Zoom Fatigue” and protect your mental health?
1. Take breaks — It’s okay to turn off your camera and go to the bathroom. Go behind your camera and stretch or just stop for a second to breathe. Remember, during this time, we are dealing with a lot. This is a pandemic, but at home it can feel like it’s a productivity contest. How much stuff can one person get done while “working from home.” For those of us who know, working from home can be a lot more stressful than being in the office because of the expectations people place on you. So be sure to breathe.
2. Tone down your multi-tasking — I found myself stressed out the other day when I had a Zoom call, then an “impromptu zoom meeting” then a “checking-in” zoom meeting. It can be quite overwhelming! So be present. Be present with what you’re doing so you can focus and get off the call to do something else instead of trying to do it all at the same time. Give yourself a little credit, you’re doing good!
3. Just be yourself — when we are on camera socially, it seems as though we feel the need to have a certain “look” just like on social media. So if we see ourselves not smiling, not getting the right light, it causes a bit of frustration within us. So instead of putting on a fake look, it’s ok not to smile and just be yourself. If you’re not feeling it that day, that’s okay! If you just want to chill and your boss is okay with that, then do it! The key is to be yourself no matter what camera is pointing at you.