Researchers from a variety of institutions have studied the effects of moving from live conversations with our colleagues to video conference calls. They have found that we can experience something similar to exhaustion or burnout, Zoom fatigue. Some examples of this are avoiding, cancelling or rescheduling calls. Having tired eyes. Feeling emotionally drained. Feeling very tense or tired after calls.
Researchers from Stanford indicated that the excessive amount of close-up eye contact is a part of the feelings we experience. Images on the screen provide direct eye contact at a proximity that we would only experience with someone we are intimate with. They also found that watching ourselves in real time interacting with others is tiring. Physically, video conferencing reduces our mobility. Finally, the cognitive load is larger when we use this medium because our brains must work harder to read expressions and body language. The delays for responses strain our responses and our ability to process all the cues.
The immediacy of video conference can also pose challenges with interference that we normally do not have to worry about when working from our office. For example, children, pets, or other family members in the same space. We must be concerned with appropriate backgrounds and be prepared with office dress.
So, what are some of the things we can do to address Zoom fatigue? When it is appropriate, turn off video and listen. We can also schedule activities that we enjoy and want to do via video conferencing, like time with friends. For the physical challenges, we can schedule small breaks for movement into our schedule for the day. Taking a break to go outside to regain perspective is also helpful. Short guided meditations to calm your senses and to reduce visual stimulation helps soothe and cam us. Remember that self-care can reduce the effects of what has become a part of our lives for many people working from home.
