I’ve been getting so many questions about “Zoom fatigue” in the past few months!
When I first heard the term, I was like: “This can’t be a real thing!” But I kept running into one news article after the next talking about how taxing video conferencing is on our brains. People kept bringing it up during my workshops and messaging me asking for advice.
And I realized that “Zoom fatigue” is a much larger problem than I thought it was.
Right now, videos are our best substitute for face-to-face communication. This doesn’t mean, however, that they’re perfect. You see, video conferences are a very unnatural way to communicate. This is why people have so many problems with them and why I’ve dedicated myself to helping them.
All that video conferencing can definitely drain you. I know it’s happened to me after a long day of interviews and meeting with clients! So what do I do to recharge? Read on below to find out!
1. Unplug!
We often forget just what a big chunk of our day is spent in front of a computer or on our phones. Scheduling daily off-screen time is extremely important for our physical and mental well-being. Put your phone away and make time for your hobbies, hanging out with friends or family, playing with your pets, or meditating.
2. Exercise
Nothing drains you more than being sedentary! Go out for a run or a walk, stretch for a bit, play your favorite workout video (or play one of mine!). Getting that blood pumping will help you feel better and happier. It will also do an excellent job at clearing that brain fog that’s been accumulating in your head all day long.
3. Have a face-to-face conversation
Make a point to spend quality time with your family, your partner, or whoever is currently sharing a roof with you. Check-in with the people around you throughout the day. A quick conversation in the kitchen while you’re waiting for the coffee to brew can be a refreshing break from staring at a screen!
4. Sleep
Laying in bed until the wee hours of the morning scrolling through Instagram adding more hours to your daily screen time isn’t doing you any favors. Neither is cutting your sleep time short to catch up on Netflix. Prioritize your rest time and you’ll see a big difference in how you feel the next day!
5. Get outside
Few things are as restorative as time in nature. Go for a hike, take a walk in the park, spend time in your backyard, or do some gardening. After a few hours of fresh air and being surrounded by trees, you'll be ready to tackle anything that comes your way.
We live in such a hyperconnected world that it's easy to forget to make time for what truly matters. Failing to rest, recharge, and reconnect with those around is can do us serious harm.
Always prioritize your health and wellbeing. It's the most important thing we have!
