If you find that distanced learning makes you even more exhausted than you used to be before, don’t worry – it is a common issue for most students. A so-called “Zoom fatigue” is a brand new buzzword on social networks, while psychologists are already researching how video conferences influence our well-being and communicational habits.
Why are video conferences exhausting?
Video conferences are draining for several reasons. They require energy and focus more than regular lectures in a classroom. When you are in class, you can catch up whenever you get distracted – rely on your classmates or ask a professor to clarify something you have missed. During a video lecture, you cannot do that quickly unless you write a chat message.
Ironically, students lose focus during video conferences easier than during in-class lectures. When you have a screen in front of your eyes, it is hard to avoid checking your Facebook, email, texting someone, or posting a comment. Also, studying-from-home means that you continuously seek a quiet place where your beloved family members, dog, or parrot won’t disturb you and other participants. If you don’t have a private space to study, it is especially hard.
However, you don’t have to panic – there are efficient tips to help you avoid video conference fatigue. Read on to find out more.
Reduce multitasking
Indeed, everyone has his/her own productivity tricks, and multitasking might be efficient for your personality type. But if you feel exhausted, this might be a sign that multiple things at once cut into your performance. Try reducing the number of tasks you combine and see if this saves your energy. When you are at a conference, close other tabs, programs, and messengers. Stay focused on the lecture and keep your attention from roaming around.
Establish boundaries
Avoid blurring your studying and personal life. Otherwise, you risk getting tired too soon. When you receive a class schedule, make sure that you use these breaks for walks, physical exercises, meals, and other activities. Try to leave your workplace for a while instead of staying in front of the screen the whole day long. Switch between “study” and “rest” modes when you have such an opportunity.
Use other communicational channels
If you use video calls regularly just because you are worried that you don’t show up frequently enough or want to prove that you are working at the moment – forget about that. Video communication is not the only way to reach your professors and administrators. What is more, for some cases, this is not the most efficient one.
For many of your questions and study-related tasks, you can use messages, comments, emails, and simple phone calls. If you need to communicate with a group of people, then video might be appropriate. However, they are not necessary for short and urgent questions to ask personally.
Turn off the camera
It is no secret that most of us feel uneasy about cameras and the way we look on screens. Worrying about your appearance might be another energy-consuming factor. In case you feel nervous about being visible all the time, ask your professor if you can turn off the camera and listen. You can still talk using your mic or write chat messages.
We live in turbulent times, and you are not the only person struggling with the new rules and formats. Here is the last tip: be sparing of yourself. Virtual classes are challenging, and this is a huge change in your life. Remember that everyone is experiencing difficulties, and things will get back to normal over time. Good luck!
