Coping With Video Chat Fatigue

Since most of us are working from home – it’s not uncommon to spend several hours a week on video calls.

Everything from coordinating the call to dealing with technical difficulties can be exhausting.

Participating in several video conferencing sessions in a row can be stressful and draining. 

The good news is, there are several tips and tricks that can help prevent fatigue and burnout. 

Take Short and Regular Breaks:

Some video conference calls can be as short as ten minutes or as long as 2 hours. 

Two hour-long meetings can take up a lot of brainpower – especially if you’re the one doing the majority of the talking.

Actually, walking away from the screen during a company-wide meeting can feel a little awkward, but there are ways you can work around it.

You can step out of the room for just a few minutes to prepare a cup of coffee or do some light stretching.

You may be surprised how refreshed you’ll feel afterwards. 

Try and Find Other Alternatives:

Now, video chatting is a fantastic way for large teams to connect and bounce ideas off one another. It’s also nice seeing familiar faces – especially while we are stuck at home.

However, video conferencing isn’t always necessary for a quick one on one call.

Life isn’t perfect. Sometimes we have to do things we don’t want to do. But at the same time, it’s important to listen to your body and give it what it needs within reason.

If you’re having a stressful day, don’t be afraid to ask your co-worker if your Zoom meeting can take place over the phone or via email instead.

It never hurts to ask.

Take a Step Back:

When you’re stressed out or overtired, sometimes the best thing you can do is take a mental health day or pass on a meeting. 

It’s very difficult to do a job and to do it well when you’re burned out or overwhelmed. No one is perfect. No one can do it all. Never feel guilty for taking time for yourself. Learn More