“Zoom Fatigue.” What started as an eyerolling joke at the beginning of the pandemic has evolved into a full-fledged, sometimes unavoidable issue plaguing work-from-home (WFH) and office-based colleagues alike. Even with more businesses opening their doors, the WFH trend isn’t likely to loosen its grip on our workforce. It seems frequent video meetings are here to stay. So, what’s a professional to do to manage Zoom Fatigue? A great number of experts have shared strategies and ideas for alleviating the symptoms. We’ve culled those recommendations to what we consider the best five.

1. Schedule and protect non-screen breaks on your calendar. As companies shift to a long-term or permanent work-from-home model, traditional work schedules forced into the WFH model just aren’t sustainable. They simple do not account for Zoom fatigue. Allow yourself short breaks (five minutes minimum) between video conference calls, and protect that time as if it is sacred. Psychology Today suggests stretching, taking a brief walk or moving around physically during this time. Avoid screens or checking your phone during these breaks.
2. Go old-school and use the phone. Not every conversation needs to be a video call, especially those that are quick, routine or simple. Save video for more complex conversations or situations in which observing body language and making eye-to-eye contact is critical.
3. Minimize the video window. According to Stanford professor Jeremy Bailenson, video conferencing is similar to having a close up and personal conversation with someone just two feet away from you, known as the intimate distance and usually reserved for lovemaking, comforting and protecting. We generally don’t mind our loved ones in this personal space, but we’re uncomfortable when those outside this personal group enter it. Calm it all down by making them appear further away by minimizing the Zoom screen.
4. Don’t multitask. Being able to do multiple things at once and well is a myth. In fact, Harvard Business Review shared that researchers at Stanford found that people who multitask can’t remember things as well as their more singularly focused peers. The next time you’re on a video chat, close any tabs or programs that might distract you, put your phone away and stay present. Yes, it’s difficult, but it’s worth it.
5. Go screen-free in your downtime. Especially on days with back-to-back video meetings, give your eyes and mind a break and avoid activities that require screen time, whether that’s on your phone, computer or TV. Instead, opt for going outside, reading a book, meditating, cooking or simply taking a power nap.

Where we used to ask ourselves “could this meeting have been an email?” Let’s agree to also ask ourselves, “does this meeting really need video?” Along with these five strategies, shared expectations and cooperation when it comes to the frequency and need for video meetings, we can close the gap between efficacy and exhaustion.