Zoom fatigue
Since the pandemic hit, video calls are now a part our daily life. Our daily video calls make it very challenging to ignore the physical aspects of ourselves, and especially in times of stress, our physicality shows that stress. It might be a new wrinkle, a couple of new pounds, or a receding hairline that seems a bit more aggressive than you remember.
In other words: Zoom, FaceTime and video chats in general are both a challenge to our self worth practice and an opportunity deepen our practices.
Here is a short practice for your next Zoom call:
Before signing on, take a few minutes to center yourself. Allow your eyes to close and take at least 3 deep breaths. Set an intention for the conversation. What is your goal? Do you want to listen, connect, share, convince? Once you have that, repeat it to yourself (out loud if possible) 3 times.
Once your preview video pops up, take a moment to look at yourself on the screen. Notice 3 things that you like about your appearance and/or background as it shows up in your Zoom square. Write them down and place them where you can see them. Repeat your intention and then continue signing in to join the full meeting.
BONUS: If you have the ability to control the agenda of the call, consider starting with minute of silence to allow all participants to ground into the space and become focused for the meeting ahead. You might even encourage everyone to set a goal for the call as well.
During the meeting, each time you find your eyes straying to your square take a moment to remember one of the things you like about yourself and return your focus to the full meeting.
Allow your eyes to connect with the people in each square, noticing how they seem to feel. If a few people are quiet, make sure you still look at their squares. As your eyes wander, send a bit of loving-kindness to each person, knowing that many others will also have their self-love challenged while on Zoom. You can simply repeat "may you be happy, may you be healthy, may you be at peace."
After the meeting take a few moments on your own to again close your eyes and take 3 deep breaths. Reflect on your intention and if you were able to work towards it. Finally, send some loving-kindness to yourself, "may I be happy, may I be healthy, may I be at peace."
We hope this bring you some peace during these days of countless Zoom calls. Let us know how it goes for you!