Zoomed Out…!

Zoom Fatigue is REAL!

Over the past 6 months, since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, our lives have become increasingly virtual and one of the biggest platforms for virtual engagements, whether they be work, school, or personal, is “Zoom” or other video conferencing platforms. That being said, being on Zoom all day or all night is exhausting.

Zoom fatigue is caused by our level of overstimulation during zoom conferences. Typically when you meet with someone, you do not have a constant gaze approximately 3 feet away from their face for the whole time. This is not only awkward and uncomfortable, but exhausting.

Most people look away or naturally soften their gaze over the course of an interaction. However, in Zoom meetings, looking off screen is typically seen as a sign of inattention, despite its normalcy for ‘real life’, in-person interactions. Also, it has been found that most people spend their time on Zoom looking and re-evaluating how they look on screen rather than looking at the person(s) they are intending to meet with.

Here’s a couple tips for managing Zoom Fatigue.

1) In between Zoom meetings, get up! Walk around, or stretch. We are not used to sitting and staring at a screen for hours and hours on end.

2) Take care of your basic needs, get a drink or snack. Go to the bathroom

3) Whatever you do, don’t look at your phone. That’s another screen.

4) Music! In between meetings, play a song to help boost your energy.

5) Connecting to nature can be refreshing. Step outside or look through a window to shift your energy.

I personally have used all of these tips and I hope you find them as helpful as I have.

If you’re having trouble adjusting to virtual life, give us a call at 888-261-2178 to set up an appointment! We, at Barrington Behavioral Health and Wellness, are here to help.

Phone: 1-888-261-2178
Email: help@barringtonbhw.com

Brittany Salvador

MA, LCPC

Brittany Salvador is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who has been in the field since 2009 in a variety of settings including community, private practice, institutions, and hospitals.

Utilizing mindfulness and acceptance strategies, as well as cognitive behavioral therapy, Brittany strives to help clients develop the self-awareness and coping skills to manage problems as they arise.

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