As the world continues to face the novel coronavirus pandemic, Zoom has become a way of life for many. We rely on it for work meetings, virtual classes, happy hours, family gatherings, and more. It has enabled us to stay connected with our loved ones and colleagues despite the physical separation. But after months of relying on the video conferencing platform, many people are only now starting to experience what’s been dubbed “Zoom fatigue” – the feeling of exhaustion and exhaustion that comes from spending too much time on Zoom.
So, what is Zoom fatigue? It’s a term that’s been used to describe a range of symptoms, including emotional exhaustion, anxiety, and even physical discomfort. These feelings come as a result of the intense concentration and energy that is required when video conferencing.
When we are on Zoom, we are always “on”, which can be mentally and physically draining. We are always looking into the camera, monitoring our body language, and trying to be the best version of ourselves in a way that we wouldn’t be if we were in a physical room together. We are also more likely to be interrupted and multitask, compounding the feeling of exhaustion.
The fact that we are often sitting in the same place for prolonged periods of time can also add to the feeling of fatigue. It’s harder to naturally move around during a Zoom call, and this lack of movement can make us feel sluggish and fatigued.
In addition to the mental toll, Zoom calls can also be physically uncomfortable. People may feel the need to maintain a stiff posture or strain their eyes when looking into the camera. We are also exposed to more artificial light than usual and have to fight the urge to look at our screens too often.
Finally, there is the cognitive load of having to constantly process multiple video and audio streams at once. We have to take in a lot of information and process it quickly in order to understand what’s going on. This can be mentally taxing, and can leave us feeling drained and overwhelmed.
All of these factors combine to create Zoom fatigue, a feeling of exhaustion and overwhelming exhaustion that has become increasingly common in 2020. It’s important to be aware of this feeling and to take steps to combat it. Taking breaks, setting limits on the amount of time spent on Zoom, and taking care of your physical and mental health can all help to alleviate Zoom fatigue.
It’s not just you: 2020 has certainly been the year of Zoom fatigue. With so much of our lives now taking place on Zoom, it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of Zoom fatigue and to take steps to reduce it.
