For teams working remotely, Zoom has become a popular option to host meetings. It’s easy to use, and the free version has a plethora of helpful features.

Although Zoom offers a number of advantages, excessive use can have significant downsides. For example, people have complained about becoming physically tired after video calls.

Balancing Zoom calls with your mental wellbeing is challenging, especially in times of isolation. However, there are ways you can achieve this. In this article, you’ll learn how to combat Zoom fatigue.

What Is Zoom Fatigue?

Zoom fatigue refers to feeling tired, stressed, or burnt out after a video chat. The term was prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic when companies worldwide had to collaborate virtually.

However, Zoom fatigue is not limited to Zoom. It can occur when using any video conferencing or messaging platform, including Skype and Google Hangouts.

Related: Free Zoom Alternatives for Video Conferencing and Online Meetings

Numerous factors can contribute to Zoom fatigue. For some people, video calls remind them they are not joining the conversation in person. In other cases, multitasking and spending too long in front of a screen can result in the feeling described above.

person holding face

So now that you know what Zoom fatigue is, let's talk about what you can do to avoid it.

Hide Yourself

It's hard to look your best on video, and many people dislike watching themselves talk while talking. On Zoom, you have both of these issues at once.

Occasionally, you might be better off using Zoom like a phone call. That is, where neither you nor the other person can see each other. Thankfully, hiding yourself on Zoom is simple. Here's how to do it:

  1. Join or start a meeting.
  2. Confirm your audio and video preferences.
  3. At the bottom of the screen, click on the video icon.
  4. You should be hidden straight afterward.
hide yourself on zoom

Limit Meeting Sizes

Video conferencing can also become overwhelming when too many people are involved in a meeting. If there is too much happening, the brain has trouble keeping up, and we feel exhausted.

As the host of an online meeting, keep your Zoom gatherings as small as possible to ensure that you get all the info you need without burning out.

Instead of hosting meetings in larger groups, consider hosting one-on-one calls instead. As a result, you can focus all of your attention on one person at a time and feel less intimidated.

Limit Zoom Meeting Times

Did you ever have meetings in the office or lectures in school that seemed to go on forever? People tend to lose their focus for long periods offline, which rings even true in online meetings.

You might want to keep Zoom meetings to 30 minutes maximum if you feel you are spending too much time in them. Ask your manager to do this if you’re not the decision-maker.

zoom conference held on laptop

Furthermore, it’s worthwhile to limit how long you spend in each meeting and the number of meetings you attend entirely. Only join those where your presence is essential or that you will find genuinely valuable.

Try scheduling all of your Zoom meetings on the same day. If that doesn't work, maybe you can schedule one day a week when you're not available.

Have a Clear Meeting Agenda

Most meetings can be a lot shorter. But somewhere down the line, the discussion becomes a detailed exposition. Such scenarios are easy to avoid; all you require is a clear agenda.

Once you’ve set out the Zoom agenda, make sure people don’t stray too far from that. If you notice discussions going off-topic, reel them in.

Related: How to Use Zoom for Online Meetings

By following an agenda, you'll minimize the time spent on meetings and lower your risks of fatigue.

Take Regular Breaks

Some long Zoom calls are unavoidable, especially if you’re taking classes online. If this describes your situation, don’t forget your options.

If you’re in a long Zoom session, you may probably have chances to take breaks. Take advantage of these opportunities, and step away from the computer to take some time for yourself.

Related: Pomodoro Productivity Technique Methods

You can also use the hide yourself feature mentioned earlier in this article to take a quick break, even if you have to use the restroom.

man taking break in cafe

If you are taking a break from the session, don't look at other screens while you are away—such as your phone. This will stop your brain from being able to rest.

By taking regular breaks, you’ll be able to absorb information much better. You’ll also be able to concentrate for longer.

Focus Only on the Meeting

Video conferencing also has the downside of having many distractions on your computer. It’s hard to scroll intently in a meeting or lecture without getting caught, but nobody can see what you’re doing on your desktop.

While a weekly catch-up might seem like a good time to check on your emails and the latest news, doing so will increase your chances of getting Zoom fatigue. Multitasking will make you feel tired, and you won't accomplish as much if you are doing that.

When video conferencing, keep your attention firmly on the meeting and turn off all other distractions. Close your internet browser tabs and set your phone to airplane mode. Install a website-blocking app if you need it.

Call From Another Room

If you’ve regularly been taking part in Zoom meetings from the same place, switching up things might help tackle Zoom fatigue. It’s easy to get stuck if you fall too deep into the same routine.

Changing the location where you have your meetings will keep things interesting. If you usually host meetings in your kitchen, try holding them in the living room.

You can also download the mobile app and take a walk while listening to what’s happening.

Use Zoom Mindfully and Continue Enjoying the Benefits

With more people working remotely and traveling further from home, video conferencing is a good way to stay connected, but you shouldn't take Zoom fatigue lightly.

While it’s easy to blame video conferencing alone for our feelings of fatigue, we may actually be exhausted because of something we could avoid.

If you feel exhausted when using Zoom, focus only on the meeting and close your tabs. Besides, you can utilize some of the other suggestions here to keep your well-being in check.