A year ago, who would have thought that we would all be learning new technologies to maintain contact with each other? How I wish I could go back in time and invest money in whatever company owns Zoom! I don’t know how they make a profit, since most of us use it for free, but they are doing very well. I just read that they are worth more than the world’s seven largest airlines combined!
Whether you are using Zoom (or a similar platform) for your work or your education, for a social event or to further a hobby, you will have encountered the phenomenon of “zoom fatigue”. This can happen even when it is being used for something you enjoy. We have celebrated a family graduation for our girls with extended family, attended a cousin’s wedding shower in Calgary and met my siblings and their kids for “Easter dinner”. No matter how great the event, prolonged sitting at a computer can take a toll on your health.
Our “In Good Health” blog article in May, 2016 described a new slogan of that time, Sitting is the new smoking. In a number of studies, greater sedentary time was found to be associated with increased mortality rates due to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and type II diabetes. In a subsequent article, we went on to detail how to create a standing desk.
Knowing all of that, when the pandemic started I still sat at my computer to attend and teach Zoom classes. It was not until I was having wifi problems and I taught a class about reducing stress that I realised I was sitting hunched toward my camera, yelling into the microphone for an hour. I was the furthest thing from zen-like calm!
Zoom (and other platforms) can be accessed through a lap top or tablet. This can easily be situated at eye level, whether sitting or standing. When I placed my lap top on enough boxes to allow me to stand, my body thanked me! It took more than one box, I also used a Rubbermaid bin and some yoga blocks until it reached the right height. I was teaching a weekly class on “Dealing with Life’s Storms” for our church and after this modification, those taking the class noticed a significant difference in my energy and engagement when I was able to stand and move around during the zoom presentation. I felt better and was able to give more in the class.
Ironically, as I was sitting to write this at my desk-top computer, my Apple watch beeped to warn me it was time to stand up! I keep a box beside my desk that I can grab easily and place my key board on to stand and type at any time.
Standing for prolonged periods can also be problematic. It is helpful to have a chair or stool nearby so that you can put one foot up on it every so often to stretch and give your lower back a rest.
A final tip. This has nothing to do with your health, but perhaps it will change how healthy you look! If you create a mobile Zoom centre with your laptop/tablet on a chair with boxes, this can be positioned in a location that has optimal and flattering lighting! Perhaps even daylight!!! I don’t know about you, but I have been on Zoom calls with some people and I wondered if they were a corporate whistle blower or in the witness protection program! If you’re going to turn your camera on, then you might as well look good!
Of course “zoom fatigue” is not just physical. Our brains get full and we will struggle with the mental and emotional stress of this new online existence. It is so important to exercise, do your SRI, and get in for regular care to release the stress that is accumulating in your body! Zoom may be here to stay, but we can roll with it if we take care of ourselves!