Since there has been a Canada-Wide work from home order, there has been a lot of discussion online about something called screen fatigue and “zoom fatigue”.

So, what is “Zoom fatigue” anyway? Zoom fatigue is: “a type of mental exertion…named after the popular video chat software (Resources, 1).”

We’re online, A LOT! This can bring all kinds of challenges for learners, and ourselves.

It’s important to take care of yourself. There are lots of different strategies to help you combat Zoom fatigue, and it is important to find the ones that work best for you! Here are a few tips and tricks to help prepare us for online sessions:

• Adjust and balance work schedules for screen time and non-screen time. Example: try to be offline for a few hours before a workshop, if possible
• Understand and research zoom fatigue, how it works, and strategies
• Printing materials versus reviewing online documents
• Hiding self-view when online with a facilitation software like Zoom
• Making time for quiet and screen free activities like: reading, yoga, deep breathing, mindfulness, and meditation
• Setting boundaries socially about additional screen time with family, friends, or additional commitments
• Jam sessions with music, or creating something with your hands. Example: crafts.
• Communicating with recording: Instead of texting, calling, or video-conferencing try recording your voice and ask your friends to do the same with apps like WhatsApp
• Self check in at some point in the day. “How am I feeling? What do I need?”
• Using apps to simulate the sounds of a work environment. Try this free app called Sounds of Colleagues here.
• Controlling your workshop load. If you are running multiple workshops, consider how you can arrange or adjust your workshop schedule with your team. Can you schedule only 1 workshop per week? Can you schedule more time to prepare? Discuss these strategies with your Chapter Lead, or reach out to chaptersupport@canadalearningcode.ca
• Accepting whatever strategies work for you, and know that they are likely to change

Something that helps with screen fatigue is movement breaks, and 20/20/20’s!

Resources:

• 1) “‘Zoom fatigue’ is setting in: What it is and how to prevent it”. Article by Thomas Diagle, CBC News. May 27th, 2020. URL: https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/zoom-fatigue-is-setting-in-1.5585933. Optional: read it here!
• 2) “‘Zoom fatigue is real — here’s why video calls are so draining'”. Article by: Libby Sander + Oliver Bauman. TED Conferences. May 19, 2020. URL: https://ideas.ted.com/zoom-fatigue-is-real-heres-why-video-calls-are-so-draining/?utm_term=social-science&utm_content=talk&utm_campaign=social&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=linkedin.com. Optional: read it here!