Zoom’d Out
Surviving in a virtual world.
March 13, 2020
It was a Friday, and the day had a slight overcast.
I remember sleeping in and envisioning all of the great things to come over the weekend.
It was the day that our lives changed and we’ve been struggling to find our way since then. It was the day we were officially introduced to COVID-19 and the battle against an unknow opponent.
It was my birthday.
I remember sitting in the Cheesecake Factory enjoying my lunch and glancing at the menu for a dessert. The Tiramisu Cheesecake seemed so inviting and I was imaging the enjoyment of my first bite into my scrumptious dessert. My imaginations were soon halted by a text message- “Effectively immediately, your location is now in full time telework status. Please plan to return to work to gather all necessary equipment and supplies”.
Two years later, I’m still home.
Over the last two years, we’ve work into integrate our home and work lives. Some days it works and others, not sure much. We’ve all experienced the highs and lows of performing a delicate dance of being present for meetings while make sure our children are attentive in their virtual classroom. One morning, I was in a rush to log into a meeting that I forgot about the eggs boiling on the stove. I was eventually met with the pungent odor of exploding eggs and shells on the wall.
If you’re like me, you’re experiencing the impacts of “Zoom Fatigue”.
What are some signs… I’m glad you asked!
“Zoom fatigue” describes the tiredness, worry, or burnout associated with overusing virtual platforms of communication. Like other experiences associated with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Zoom fatigue is widely prevalent, intense, and completely new.[1]
Some of symptoms include:
· Feelings of exhaustion and/or burnout
· Anxiety
· Depression
· Anger
· Forgetfulness and concentration difficulties
· Lack of motivation
· Frustration and irritability
· Social detachment and difficulty maintaining relationships
· Pessimism
· Insomnia
· Headaches or migraines
· Low productivity
· Physical symptoms such as pain and muscle tension[2]
If you’ve just yelled, “This is so me!”, you’re not alone. Many people are experiencing similar concerns and are taking steps to change the narrative.
How can you take combat fatigue?
1. Schedule breaks … write them down in your schedule. Try to allow at least 30 minutes between video conferences. Use this downtime to relax, grab a cup of coffee or tea, use the restroom and prepare for the next video call.
2. Exercise regularly, doing such activities as running, hiking, yoga or tai chi Exercising regularly can have a positive effect on your mood by relieving the tension, anxiety, anger, and mild depression that often go hand-in-hand with stress. [3]
3. Don’t forget your self care! Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and mindfulness meditation.
4. Set realistic goals and expectations. As much as we’d like to, we can’t be everywhere. Learning to ask others for help will ease the load and possibly give you time to refocus.
For the foreseeable future, the virtual world will remain a staple in our lives. The key to surviving will be creating a self care plan that allows us to nurture our mind and bodies.
[1] https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/exercise-stress-relief
[2] https://www.ucumberlands.edu/blog/zoom-fatigue
[3] https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/exercise-stress-relief
