Written by: Hannah Fusco, Class of 2023
Now that music students, teachers, and performers have transitioned to virtual classes, many of us have found ourselves exhausted after endless Zoom classes. For most of us, these Zoom classes and lessons occupy most of the day and because of this, we become exhausted and end up suffering with a sneaky illness commonly called “Zoom fatigue”. Since Zoom fatigue has spread rapidly amongst students and teachers, this blog post will provide some tools on how to combat the sneaky Zoom fatigue and will hopefully help you stay engaged throughout the long days of classes in the future.
What even is “Zoom fatigue”?
Zoom fatigue is caused from focusing on a computer screen for a long period of time without giving yourself a break. As you stare at the computer screen to process the information, your eyes become strained and you may begin to feel tired. As you attend classes or teach classes, you are focusing on the same object for sometimes hours on end, which can be the reason behind your fatigue.
What can I do to make it better? Hannah’s top 5 tips for defeating Zoom fatigue
Disclaimer: Obviously, I am not a doctor, but I can give you some tips that have helped me combat my Zoom fatigue. Hopefully some of these tips will be useful!
1. Keep your desk area/workspace clean and well lit!
By keeping your desk area/workspace clean and organized, you will be able to quickly locate any materials or books that you need for classes, as well as providing yourself with an area to write things down. It is also important to keep your workspace well lit. Having natural light or a bright desk lamp is important because light can make you happy! As well, having a bright light can help you stay alert and focused. Another option is to move your workspace in front of a window to provide yourself with more light.
2. Take walks/go outside during your breaks between classes!
Although many of us are bombarded with homework and practicing, it is important to go outside and stay active each day. Taking small walks everyday can be a mood booster and will give your eyes a small break from the computer screen, which may help you retain your focus throughout the day.
3. Get dressed as if you have somewhere to go!
For anyone who loves fashion or loves getting ready in the morning, this one's for you! Getting ready for your day is a great habit to get into, even if you are going nowhere! Pretending that you have somewhere to go can make you feel as if you are waking up with a purpose and can serve as a confidence boost. Of course there will be days where you just HAVE to roll out of bed at 7:59 to log onto 8am aural skills, but on the days when you have time, I highly recommend getting ready for your day.
4. Schedule things to look forward to!
Each day, you can schedule something small or large that will hopefully make your day better. Some examples of this can be FaceTiming a friend, playing a small etude for your family, going for a run, taking a shower or even spending some quality time with your pet! Taking some time to yourself is also important to help conserve your personal battery (as well as your computer battery), and is an important factor for destressing.
5. Stay in touch with your friends and family!
These are difficult and uncertain times, so it is important to remember that you are not alone in what you are going through. If you are struggling with anything at all, don’t be afraid to reach out to your support systems and take advantage of resources such as CAPS. Many of us are all dealing or have dealt with several issues during this time and it is okay to ask for help when you need it.
How do I start?
With any new habit, it is important to take it easy at first. In order to truly combat Zoom fatigue, a consistent schedule with an appropriate amount of time for breaks is very useful. Begin by tracking your energy levels throughout the day. By doing this, you can see around what time your energy levels begin to drop. If you implement plans to take breaks during these low energy points and consistently dedicate yourself to taking those breaks, you will train yourself to begin expecting small breaks, which will eventually lead to more consistent energy levels and focus.
I hope this blog has been helpful and I miss seeing everyone around campus! Best of luck this semester and make sure you avoid Zoom fatigue!
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