Video conferences have become an indispensable tool for
communication and collaboration in today’s digital age. Business people utilize
video conferencing day in and day out.
However, despite how amazing video conferencing can be,
people often feel exhausted after an endless stream of virtual meetings. Video
conference fatigue, or virtual meeting burnout, is a widespread challenge that
many of us encounter in today’s digital era.
Thankfully, there are effective strategies to overcome this
significant source of fatigue and exhaustion.
In this article, we'll explore methods and solutions to
reduce video conference fatigue, helping you manage online meetings more
effectively and ease the strain they can cause.
What is video conference fatigue?
Video conference fatigue is a genuine issue that can
significantly affect our mental health and productivity.
Prolonged engagement in virtual meetings can lead to various
symptoms, such as heightened stress, reduced concentration, and lower
motivation. Identifying the signs of video call burnout is essential for
addressing the problem effectively.
By understanding the causes of virtual meeting exhaustion
and applying suitable strategies, we can take proactive measures to combat this
fatigue and restore our energy.
A great way to deal with this problem is to establish a
healthy work-life balance. Make sure you set video conferencing
boundaries, take breaks between meetings, optimize your workspace, and make
meetings more interactive. All of these strategies will help you reduce video
conference tiredness.
Approaches for Enhancing Mental Health and Well-being
Now that we know what video conference fatigue is, we can
talk more about ways to combat it. In this part of the article, we will discuss
different approaches for enhancing your mental health and well-being,
conquering fatigue, and preventing burnout.
Set boundaries
As mentioned, a good way to combat video conference fatigue
is by setting clear boundaries. Always inform your colleagues and clients of
your availability and set designated time slots for virtual meetings.
This approach helps you maintain a healthy work-life balance
and minimizes the risk of video conference fatigue.
Optimize your workspace
Designing an ideal workspace can greatly reduce virtual
meeting fatigue. Make sure your home office or workspace is well-lit,
organized, and free from distractions.
Pay attention to ergonomic details, such as chair and desk
height, to enhance physical comfort during online meetings.
Reduce screen time
Extended screen time can contribute to video conference
fatigue. Make sure you take frequent breaks from screens throughout the day.
This should also include time outside of meeting hours.
Use these breaks for offline activities, like going for a
walk, meditating, reading a book, etc. These types of brakes will give your
eyes and mind a much-needed rest.
Focus on self-care
Proper self-care is crucial for overcoming virtual meeting
fatigue. Choose activities that foster relaxation and well-being. Activities
such as regular exercise, meditation, or various types of hobbies. By
prioritizing self-care, you can better manage stress and sustain a positive
mindset.
Incorporate mindfulness techniques
Practicing mindfulness techniques can help ease virtual
meeting fatigue. Try incorporating deep breathing exercises, mindful
meditation, or visualization practices into your daily routine to foster
relaxation and lower stress levels.
Alleviating Physical Strain and Eye Fatigue
Some of the most common challenges of people who engage in
virtual meetings regularly are physical strain and eye fatigue. In turn, these
challenges can lead to video conference fatigue.
To prevent burnout and enhance productivity and enjoyment,
make sure you incorporate simple exercises and stretches into your routine.
Neck rolls and shoulder shrugs
Sitting in an office chair for hours, regardless of how
ergonomic and comfortable your chair is, can negatively affect your neck and
shoulders.
To avoid neck and shoulder pain, you should do certain
exercises throughout the day.
For instance, you can do neck rolls. Gently roll your neck
in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions to ease tension in the neck
and shoulder area.
Similarly, you can do shoulder shrugs. Move your shoulders
up and down - towards your ears and then release them back down.
Spinal twist (seated)
Sitting for prolonged periods can add a tremendous amount of
pressure to the back muscles and spinal discs. In turn, this can lead to
serious back issues.
Avoid these issues by doing spinal twist exercises. Cross
your legs and gently twist your torso in the opposite direction while seated.
Hold the stretch for a bit, then switch sides. Seated spinal
twists help alleviate lower back discomfort and enhance spinal mobility.
Wrist and finger stretches
Sitting and working on a keyboard can also cause arm and
hand pain. To avoid arm and hand issues, do wrist and finger stretches. Extend
your arms forward, and rotate your wrists in circular motions.
Also, stretch your fingers by gently pulling them backward.
Perform these stretches for 10 seconds, then release. This exercise helps
relieve strain from extended typing and mouse use.
Eye exercises
Prolonged use of computers or digital devices can lead to a
range of eye and vision issues. These issues are known as digital eye strain
and their symptoms often include eye discomfort, fatigue, dryness, blurry
vision, and headaches.
Unaddressed vision problems are a major contributor, and
sometimes underlying health issues can also play a role. Combat digital eye
strain with different eye exercises.
Start by making sure you take brief breaks during video
conferences to give your eyes a rest.
Then, focus on a distant object for 20 seconds to alleviate
eye strain. Also, practice eye rolls by moving your eyes in circular motions,
both clockwise and counterclockwise.
Conclusion
Video conference fatigue is a common challenge in this
modern world. The good news is that there is a solution even for this
challenge.
Implement strategies that will combat fatigue and burnout.
Strategies include taking breaks, reducing screen time, optimizing workspace,
and focusing on your health and well-being.
