As we continue to navigate these new waters we are connecting to technology more and more each day.  Zoom fatigue is very real.  Being continually attached to a screen is exhausting.

A few months ago I had the true joy to be part of a wonderful three day workshop.  In addition to my other meetings I was on Zoom for close to 30 hours over three days.  I had tried to set myself up for success by:

• Enjoying a warm breakfast rich in Omega 3s, as we know this is a great fuel for our brains.
• Made my Pumpkin Seed and Almond Butter Nourishing Oat Bars, rich in magnesium to enjoy as a snack.
• I began my day with a cup of of Double Bergamot Earl Grey Tea and had a pitcher of gingerroot in water to enjoy throughout the day.
• Luncheon rich in protein and greens.
• Beautiful Cacao Mushroom Drink Blend with Ashwagandha and Lions Mane to enjoy in the afternoon.

We were taking breaks, hydrating well and stepping away from screens.  By the second day I was exhausted.  All the usual tools were just not enough.  At noon on the second day, after enjoying lunch, I went for a walk in our garden and picked a few flowers to put in my office.  This helped to ground me.

The reality was I had been connected to technology for an extended period of time, and no matter how well I nourished myself, the screens were impacting my well being.

For many being on screens for more than 8 hours a day has been the norm for many, many months.

To help us invest in our well being it is key we make different choices.  A few ideas to consider:

Find ways to engage with your team

• Define the core hours when the team will be available to collaborate and create greater harmony with their personal and professional lives.
• Identify what a true priority is and what technology will be used in communicating this.
• Outline expectations on responses to electronic communications.
• Create regular coffee chats, for your team to check in, similar to an informal chat in the office.
• Send a handwritten card, just because.
• Create moments to celebrate.

Meetings

• Be mindful on the timing of your meetings.
• Turn off your screen for meetings, as you are able.
• Build transition time between your meetings.
• Begin each meeting on time and end it early.  Shorten each meeting by 15 minutes and prepare timed agendas, identifying who is responsible for each topic.
• Transition your 1:1 meetings to phone calls.  Stand up and walk around as it makes sense.
• Look for ways to incorporate more walking meetings.
• Is there an opportunity to work near a lake, river or ocean?

Nourish your body, mind and spirit

• Hydrate, well and often.
• Eat foods, that will nourish your body, mind and spirit.  To support you in making this possible prepare your meals in advance.  Sit down to eat each and every meal.
• Find ways to enjoy nature each and every day.  This is one of the biggest investments in your brain you can make.
• Invest in yourself by building time in for thinking, reflection and meditation. And capture this in your calendar.

Create space for down time

• Establish boundaries around your professional and personal time.
• Schedule time away from work and technology.  Make a commitment to yourself and your family that you will do your best not think or talk about work.  This will help you rest and replenish your wellbeing.
• Choose what time you will step away from your screens.
• Turn all your alerts off and put your devices on silent.
• Create more space for movement, reflection and meditation.
• Look for ways to return what grounds you such as playing the piano, yoga or pilates, reading, walking or savouring a cup of tea or coffee with a friend on the phone or with technology.

 

Time truly is a precious gift.  Are we investing in ourselves by creating space to pause and saying yes to what will nourish us?  Making choices on how and when we spend our time are important questions to ask ourselves.  Are we creating space for people to be authentic and show up as their beautiful imperfect self?

Considering all these ideas and ways we can manage Zoom fatigue, will help us transition to find the sweet spot to harmonize life, where work is only one part.

If you are interested in a great book to improve your meetings “The Surprising Science of Meetings” written by Steven. R. Rogelberg is an excellent book.

As we navigate these waters it is important to first be kind and gentle with ourselves and with others.  Be kind. Be patient.

Be nourished in all you do.

Sharon

Photography: Sharon K. Summerfield