With Claire Barnes (Clinical Psychology Resident)
Understanding why we’re more tired than usual is important, but even more important is knowing what we can do to feel less drained.
- Experiment with using the phone/audio instead of video for some meetings. This can be especially good for larger meetings or gatherings where taking in all that sensory stimulation can be overwhelming.
- If you’re anxious that others are judging you during zoom meetings, assess how realistic those thoughts are and consider alternative ways of interpreting the situation. It might be helpful to think about how a close friend might respond if you expressed these thoughts to them.
- If it’s possible in your home, create a separate space where you conduct your work. When you’re not working, make sure to spend time in other parts of your home.
- Build in time for transitions. Try to schedule Zoom meetings so that you have downtime between each. Don’t leave a work call and go immediately into virtual happy hour with friends, take a few moments for yourself.
- Make sure you’re engaging in enjoyable non-screen activities each day, such as taking a walk, doing yoga, cooking a nice meal, gardening or playing with your kids/pets. This will help you reconnect with your body and get out of your head.
- If Zoom sessions with family and friends also feel exhausting, consider other ways of connecting with them virtually that take pressure off constant face-to-face interaction. For instance, Netflix Party allows you to watch a movie together and chat at the same time.
- Finally, even if you can’t do anything else, just breathe. Deep breaths push more oxygen into your cells which lowers blood pressure, slows heart rate and improves circulation providing you with more energy!