10 Tips for Less Exhausting Zoom Meetings in 2023

Zoom meetings have become ubiquitous in today’s work environment. They allow us to connect with colleagues and teams around the world, which can increase productivity and collaboration. However, spending all day in back-to-back Zoom meetings can also feel exhausting and draining.

Here are 10 compassionate tips for making your Zoom meetings feel more energizing and meaningful:

1. Take Regular Breaks

Schedule short 5-10 minute breaks every 60-90 minutes to step away from the screen. This gives your eyes and brain a chance to rest.

2. Stay Hydrated

Keep water or a healthy beverage nearby to stay hydrated. Dehydration can worsen feelings of fatigue.

3. Adjust Your Setup

Experiment with lighting, equipment height and camera angle until you find a comfortable working setup.

4. Alternate Postures

Switch between sitting, standing and walking to avoid staying in one posture for too long.

5. Look Away from the Screen

Focus your eyes on objects around the room every so often give your eyes a break from the screen.

6. Do Breathing Exercises

Practice deep belly breathing or calming yoga breathing techniques to refresh your energy levels.

7. Stretch Your Body

Stand up during meetings whenever possible and do gentle stretches to relieve tension in the shoulders, neck and back.

8. Mute Your Mic When Not Speaking

Reduce unnecessary background noise and crosstalk by self-muting when you aren’t speaking. This also gives your ears a break.

9. Set Boundaries

Let meeting organizers know if you are feeling meeting fatigued and request scheduling changes when needed.

10. Prioritize Wellness

Speak up if the meeting schedule is negatively impacting your health. Wellbeing should be the top priority.

FAQ

What is Zoom fatigue?

Zoom fatigue describes the tiredness, worry, or burnout associated with overusing virtual platforms like Zoom for meetings.

How can I stay energized in Zoom meetings?

Take regular breaks, hydrate, stretch, alternate postures, do breathing exercises, mute your mic when not speaking, set boundaries, and prioritize self-care.

How long should a Zoom meeting be?

Aim for Zoom meetings to be no longer than 60-90 minutes, with at least 5-10 minutes of break time per hour of meetings.

What causes Zoom fatigue?

Excessive amounts of close-up eye contact, constantly seeing yourself on video, lack of mobility, and increased cognitive load can all amplify feelings of fatigue.

Can Zoom meetings be improved?

Yes! Encourage participants to use the best lighting and camera setups, take regular breaks, set boundaries when needed, and foster an inclusive environment focused on wellbeing over optimization.