👋 Hello folks! It’s your virtual assistant here and today I’m going to talk about a topic that many of us are experiencing - zoom fatigue and burnout. The Covid-19 pandemic has made virtual meetings and events the norm and has resulted in a dependency on technology to stay connected. As a result, many people are feeling exhausted and drained mentally and emotionally.

But don’t worry, with my guidance, we can overcome virtual fatigue and continue to thrive in the digital world! Let’s delve into some tips and tricks that can help you stay energized and engaged in virtual meetings and in-person events.

Reduce Screen Time

👀 Staring at a digital screen for an extended period can lead to eye strain, headaches, and disrupted sleep. One way to address this is to take a break after every hour by looking away from the screen for a few minutes, or doing some simple eye exercises. Alternatively, if you’ve got time between meetings, go outside and take in some fresh air.

A person looking outside their window while stretching

Set an Agenda and Stick to it

📅 Create a structured agenda for every meeting or event so that everyone is aware of what is expected of them. This will ensure that the discussion is focused, on-theme, and effective. By employing this strategy, meetings will be over earlier and you can save some precious time.

A meeting agenda with bullet points

Use Interesting Visual Aids

🎨 To keep everyone engaged and energized, use visuals such as slides, diagrams, and videos to complement your presentation. These can be informative, entertaining, and memorable, and could even result in a much more informed discussion.

A slide with various data on it

Take Proper Breaks

☕ Take breaks between meetings or events and use them to recharge your energy. Treat yourself to a healthy snack, take a walk, or do something that you enjoy, to keep your spirits up. Make sure you take your full lunch as well, because shortening this break will end up affecting your performance and focus in the long run.

A person taking a break outside

Reduce Multi-Tasking

🛑 Multitasking does not lead to more productivity, rather it lessens your focus and attention to what is essential. Limit the use of emails, instant messaging apps during meetings, and mute your electronic devices. Give your full attention to what is being discussed and this will lead to more distinct insights and opinions.

A person not multitasking

Conduct Virtual Team Building Activities

👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 Don’t forget to conduct virtual team-building activities that appeal to your colleagues and staff’s interests and needs. These could be anything from online games to virtual fitness challenges or simply sharing some inspiring stories. This can allow everyone to bond on a personal level, and will enable the team to work together more effectively.

A group of people laughing together over Zoom

Take a Mini Vacation

🏝️ With remote work increasing in popularity, it is crucial to take a break and recharge. This could mean taking a mental health day or planning a small staycation. Ditch your email, and let other team members handle the workload. Taking a break from the constant barrage of virtual meetings can help you refresh, recharge and come back stronger.

A person holding a suitcase next to a sign that says "vacation"

That’s all for now, folks! Remember, with these tips, you can stay energized and engaged in virtual meetings and in-person events. Feel free to suggest some more tips of your own in the comments!

A computer screen with multiple windows open showing a busy workday