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Do you feel more tired than usual after a video call? Although not yet a formal diagnosis, so-called Zoom fatigue is accurate. Research published in Computers in Human Behavior Reports and the Journal of Applied Psychology suggests that the frequency and duration of virtual meetings can increase fatigue levels. Here's what symptoms you may experience and how to avoid them.

Common symptoms of "Zoom fatigue."

The symptoms of "Zoom fatigue" are considered similar to job burnout (apathy, lack of energy, trouble concentrating, among others). However, these usually affect the general state of tiredness and, as the name suggests, are linked to excessive attendance at video conferences. Some of them are as follows:

• Exhaustion between video calls.

• Greater than usual fatigue at the end of the day.

• Being distracted and restless during videoconferences.

• Eating and sweating excessively while the meeting is taking place.

• Fatigue or eye irritation.

• Persistent headache.

• Anxiety about having to turn on the camera.

• Read also: How to disconnect from remote work before you freak out.

Why are virtual meetings so exhausting?

If you work as a freelance free essay writer, for example, or a copywriter and your job doesn't involve constant video calls and meetings, then you're lucky. According to a study published in the journal Technology, Mind, and Behavior, several aspects of video calls cause fatigue. The most common include:

1. Too much eye contact. During a virtual meeting, you not only see several faces at once, but you also see yourself, which is unnatural and tiring. The brain must work harder to read facial expressions and decode the message. Communication is complicated when all you see of a person is their face and shoulders. Through the computer, many-body language cues that allow deciphering the message and emotions of the sender are lost.

2. Physical inactivity. It is well known that a sedentary lifestyle can cause a state of continuous fatigue.

The tendency to multitask. When working remotely, it is common to engage in multitasking while attending a videoconference, which can also exhaust the brain.

3. Being in a constant state of alertness.

Some companies expect their teleworkers always to be ready to attend a virtual meeting, which puts enormous pressure on them. They also set conditions such as being dressed as if they were in the office or not making video calls in the bedroom.

4. Interference from home. Whether it's one of the kids crying, the dog barking, or the neighbor's music, it's exhausting to have to go back and forth to find a place where you can make the video call.

How to avoid "Zoom fatigue"?

Virtual meetings are here to stay. Therefore, it is necessary to take measures so that "Zoom fatigue" does not reduce your work performance. Here are some of the most recommended ones.

1. Stop looking at yourself and others

Seeing both your face and other people's faces for long periods causes exhaustion and irritates the eyes. It is recommended to configure the video conference not to see yourself. In Zoom, for example, you can do this by selecting the "Hide own view" option.

You can also minimize the platform. In this way, you hear what is being said in the virtual meeting, but you do not see yourself or others.

2. Try to keep calls early

According to research published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, people who had video calls scheduled for later in the day felt more tired. In that sense, try to make them early. However, keep in mind that there are cases in which it is impossible due to the time difference or if it is an emergency meeting.

3. Press the mute button

If we learned one thing with video conferencing, it is preferable to have someone remind you that you are in silence than to hear all the chaos in your home or neighborhood. The study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology also suggests that using the mute button keeps you from being constantly aware of what's going on around you and not being overheard, resulting in fewer feelings of fatigue.

4. Suggests days without video calls.

It is a fact that virtual meetings can be exhausting. Therefore, consider suggesting to your superior that a Zoom-free day be instituted. If you think they won't listen to a single employee's proposal, be sure to talk to your colleagues about it, get their opinion, and see if they agree with the idea.

Other tips to avoid "Zoom fatigue."

In addition to the above, keep in mind that other tips can help you deal with this burnout. These include:

• Allow 10 to 15 minutes between meetings.

• Use headphones (preferably wireless).

• Relay information through other channels, whether email or other platforms like Slack.

If you can, turn off the camera, get up and walk around the room. In addition to giving you some energy, this movement allows you to rest your eyes and brain from the computer. What is more, establish a good relationship with colleagues. This way, you'll go into meetings in a better mood and end up less exhausted.

Now that you know how to make video calls less tiring, are you ready to get rid of the fatigue that overcomes you? Put these tips into practice, and you'll see how you'll stop feeling so tired.