Video conferencing took on a whole new form once the worldwide pandemic hit. With more time on their hands and less outside means of socializing, persons began to look to their screens for some close contact time.
Many persons always used Skype, Facebook Messenger, and Whatsapp for video calls. However, the video conferencing software Zoom became extremely popular. The use of the firm’s software jumped 30-fold by April 2020, due to a reported 300 million daily Zoom users. Zoom stock has been one of the best-performing on the US Nasdaq for 2020, with second-quarter earnings, which showed a surge to purchase shares in the company.
Even more fascinating is how stay-at-home and lockdown orders changed the culture of how people utilized video calls. New terms surrounding the use of the platform emerged. A Zoom party indicated sessions of excitement, events, or activities using the software. Zoom-bombing featured malicious persons hijacking a meeting and doing something unlikely on their square.
Despite initial security concerns, the video conferencing tool continued to be consistently used.
It became so popular that another expression was created named Zoom fatigue. More online meetings for work or social reasons meant increased boredom and frustration with its use.
If you find that some days you’re not into constant online meetings, then let‘s discuss some advice on changing your daily routines.
Just Say No
The online world means being bombarded daily by emails, WhatsApp messages, texts, and social media messages. Put Zoom calls into the equation, and that can increase stress levels.
To limit your online video call activity, ensure you plan out your day. You don’t need to be in every meeting unless it’s a mandatory staff or team member session. Try to reduce it to what you know is manageable. Doing too many planning sessions and discussions can also be counter-productive. Additionally, you can reschedule the meeting, request a follow-up email or regular call, and even get the meeting minutes from that discussion later.
Make Your Sessions More Interactive
Once your day of online meetings is planned, try to make the sessions more interactive. Most times, you’re not the host of the event. Therefore, these would have to be suggestions you make to keep user participation active.
If it’s a regular weekly meeting, try to have theme days monthly. Dress up, or discuss topics differently. Ensure the period has ice-breakers to start, an agenda, and scheduled breaks by every hour. You can also spruce things up by changing the background of your screen.
Although it will feel weird at first, ensure every contributor in the session has on their camera. Active cameras will allow for more vibrant communication. Before this age of frequent Zoom meetings, we’ve always communicated with our voices and body language and facial gestures. Seeing the person you’re talking to enhances the sense of comprehension for the discussion. With that in mind, dress appropriately for the type of meeting you’re attending.
Remember The Offline World
Lastly, recall that the life you possess isn’t restricted to a screen. The offline world is beckoning for you to explore and still be involved in. There are restrictions on the number of people for gatherings and social distancing guidelines. However, find time to have a work meeting regularly enough outside. Stay safe and follow the protocols correctly though.
Find time also to relax. Spend time with family and friends. Visit church and community members. Turn your week into a chance to remain socially and mentally healthy. Remember to breathe outside air, view the sky, and catch some sunshine. Make the best of this time despite the pandemic.
What have you done to initiate less Zoom fatigue? Let us know in the comments below.
About the Author:
Joneil J. Alcock is a digital marketer by day and a “Superman” by night. When he’s not helping his mentors to run online campaigns, he can be found discussing Christ’s love. Somewhere between working and teaching, he finds time for a great book or an action-packed Netflix show. If you fancy a chat, catch Joneil on Instagram, or email him joneiljalcock[at]gmail.com.
