Health
‘Zoom fatigue’ is a common struggle for remote workers. Here’s how to handle it, according to experts
Attending meetings in pajama bottoms might seem like a job perk, but some remote workers have found that videoconferencing for work isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
In the years since the COVID pandemic triggered a spike in telecommuting, many have complained of so-called “Zoom fatigue.”
Thought to be coined by Stanford University professor Jeremy Bailenson, the term refers to a level of exhaustion that comes with interacting with others on camera all throughout the day.
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Dr. Kyle Elliott, a tech career coach in San Francisco, defines Zoom fatigue as “incessant tiredness or lack of energy as a result of spending a large quantity of time on Zoom.”
Additional symptoms can include physical tension (including headaches, eye strain and stiffness), moodiness, a sense of disengagement or difficulty concentrating, according to Dr. Julia Corcoran, a licensed clinical psychologist and board-certified coach, who is currently serving as the director of clinical strategy and experience at Modern Health in San Francisco.
“Zoom fatigue” refers to a level of exhaustion that comes with interacting with others on camera throughout the day. (iStock)
The challenge isn’t exclusive to Zoom; other videoconferencing platforms can have the same effect.
The pandemic’s effect
With the COVID-19 pandemic, Zoom and other videoconferencing platforms “exploded in popularity,” said Dr. Carl Nassar, PhD, a professional counselor based in Denver, Colorado.
“We all found ourselves at home looking at the people we worked with, the people we went out for drinks with and the people in our extended family on a computer screen,” he told Fox News Digital.
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“Our work went virtual, our social life went virtual, our doctors’ appointments went virtual, and even our intimate relationships sometimes went virtual,” he said. “And this meant a lot of time looking at each other on-screen instead of in person.”
Long after the pandemic, many of these habits have persisted.
Symptoms of Zoom fatigue can include physical tension (including headaches, eye strain, and stiffness), moodiness, a sense of disengagement or difficulty concentrating, an expert said. (iStock)
“This video-ing of each other, it turns out, is far more tiring to humans than actually being together,” said Nassar.
“One reason is that our brains are wired for actual in-person interactions, not wired for interactions on the screen.”
Impacts of Zoom fatigue
While video calls can be convenient, Elliott warned that staring at a computer or phone screen for extended periods of time can result in negative mental health consequences.
“Zoom fatigue can aggravate stress, anxiety and burnout among workers,” he told Fox News Digital.
“Our brains are wired for actual in-person interactions, not wired for interactions on the screen.”
“Some people share that spending so much time interacting on screens makes it difficult to interact in real life.”
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Corcoran agreed, noting that many report feeling livelier, happier and more active during in-person meetings.
“Because video platforms artificially limit our perspective, we miss the cues we’re used to from live, in-person interactions,” she told Fox News Digital.
Experts recommended taking adequate breaks away from the computer throughout the day. (iStock)
“As social beings, we’re highly attuned to these cues, and it takes more work for us to look for and process them in the virtual environment, leading to the fatigue we experience.”
Even beyond the workplace, Elliott noted that people are using video in more personal contexts than ever before, such as sharing reels on social media and calling loved ones on FaceTime.
“Because video platforms artificially limit our perspective, we miss the cues we’re used to from live, in-person interactions.”
“This can further exacerbate the problem if you’re already spending a significant portion of your day on Zoom,” he said.
“All these video-based calls can quickly lead to video fatigue if you’re not mindful and take care to protect your mental health and well-being.”
Strategies that can help
Just because a meeting is scheduled on Zoom or a similar video conferencing platform doesn’t mean you need to be on video for the call, Elliott pointed out.
“When it makes sense, particularly if it’s a large meeting where your input will be less frequent or nonexistent, you might opt to turn your video off from time to reduce Zoom fatigue,” he advised.
“When it makes sense, particularly if it’s a large meeting where your input will be less frequent or nonexistent, you might opt to turn your video off from time to reduce Zoom fatigue,” one expert suggested. (iStock)
The expert also recommended taking adequate breaks away from the computer, even if it’s for just a few minutes, throughout the day.
“It can be tempting, but try to avoid looking at another screen, such as your phone, during this break, since you want to avoid swapping one digital toxin for another,” Elliott said.
For those leading a video meeting, Corcoran suggested starting with a quick off-camera stretch break or mindfulness exercise to increase attention and focus.
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“Whenever you’re able, suggest audio-only meetings that don’t require screens so people can do things they would naturally do in an in-person setting, like move around or look out a window,” she advised.
“Walking away from our screens can reduce the urge to multitask, reduce eye fatigue and increase our capacity to move around.”
As the use of video platforms is still relatively new for many professionals, one expert noted that the long-term effects aren’t yet known. (iStock)
Turning off the self-view option can also be helpful, Corcoran said — “it can be particularly distracting and draining because we’re not used to seeing our own images so much.”
As the use of video platforms is still relatively new for many professionals, Corcoran noted that the long-term effects aren’t yet known.
“That being said, we know that constant feelings of fatigue, exhaustion and physical strain or tension do correlate with negative mental health outcomes,” she said.
“It’s important to take steps to reduce Zoom fatigue before it leads to things like chronic stress or burnout.”
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.
The American Humane announced the winning dog for its annual Hero Dog Award — and the working pet has a unique story.
The Hero Dog Awards announced the finalists for the award as a way to shed light on these remarkable animals’ efforts in a variety of areas.
The organization, headquartered in Washington, D.C., was founded in 1877 and is the country’s first national humane organization committed to animals.
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The annual nationwide competition identifies America’s top dogs in five key categories: military dogs; law enforcement and first responder dogs; service and guide or hearing dogs; therapy dogs; and emerging hero and shelter dogs.
Beginning in April, hundreds of dog owners across the country submitted the names of their pets for consideration for “Hero Dog.”
Bo is a 18-month-old bloodhound who works with the Gastonia Police Department in North Carolina. (American Humane)
This year, the winner of the Hero Dog Award is Bo, a law enforcement and first responder dog.
He’s an 18-month-old bloodhound male from Gastonia, North Carolina, who works with the Gastonia Police Department.
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Though still young, Bo has been saving lives and solving crimes since he was just eight months old, according to the American Humane.
He started his career in law enforcement in 2023 after the police department handpicked him from a litter of puppies — and Bo went home with Sgt. David Rowland for further training.
Bo and Sgt. David Rowland, pictured, have been partners since Bo was a puppy. (American Humane)
After training the dog and working on bonding, Rowland said his family took a keen liking to the dog.
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The American Humane noted that a bloodhound breed was new for the Gastonia Police Department, as it’s only ever had German shepherds and other classic law enforcement breeds prior to this.
Bo is known for his unique personality. He’s easily frightened by Halloween decorations — but has been called a gentle giant.
Bo as a puppy. He was handpicked as a young dog for his current role. (American Humane)
Bo is able to approach and comfort the people he tracks down — making him a secret weapon for the department.
Since he began working, Bo has tracked down a missing 11-year-old child with autism, plus a 7-year-old kidnapping victim — and he’s found many lost senior citizens as well.
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Rowland told Fox News Digital that honoring Bo with the Hero Dog Award “means everything” to him and the Gastonia Police Department.
Bo of North Carolina was named the 2024 Hero Dog by American Humane for his outstanding work in the community. (American Humane)
“All the hard work we’ve put in together pays off every time he brings a missing loved one back into the arms of their family,” he said.
He added, “This national recognition for Bo will surely bring comfort to the community we serve, showing them that Bo’s skills are here to help — whether it’s reuniting families or delivering justice to victims.”
American Humane president and CEO Robin Ganzert, PhD, told Fox News Digital that Bo “has accomplished more in his young life than many do in their entire careers.”
American Humane announced the Hero Dog Award for 2024. The honor has gone to a law enforcement dog who makes a difference in his community. (American Humane)
“Bo goes above and beyond to track down missing people and offer them love, comfort and kisses during their time of need,” she added.
The finalist dogs from each category will be honored at a gala in Palm Beach, Florida, in November — where the animals will walk, sniff and run down a red carpet.
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Donald Trump’s re-election to the presidency has put his health and stamina into focus.
While past presidents have appeared to age quickly during their administrations, experts say Trump maintains high levels of energy and vitality eight years after he was first elected president.
From his nomination in mid-March 2024 until the election on Nov. 5, Trump presided over at least 120 rallies, town halls and campaign events.
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“The fact that he attended 120 events in 7 months — often multiple rallies in a single day in different states — is proof-positive that Trump has a tremendous amount of stamina, mentally and physically,” Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurosurgeon and longevity expert, told Fox News Digital.
As of last November, Trump’s overall health was “excellent,” according to a letter penned by his personal physician, which the president-elect posted on his Truth Social account.
Donald Trump’s re-election as president this week has put his health and stamina into focus. (Getty Images)
In the letter, Dr. Bruce Aronwold of New Jersey’s Morristown Medical Center wrote that Trump’s physical exams were “well within the normal range” and that his cognitive exams were “exceptional.”
The doctor added that with continued preventative monitoring and maintenance, “he will continue to enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle for years to come.”
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The president-elect also spoke about his health during an Oct. 26 appearance on “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast.
“How are you so healthy?” Rogan asked Trump directly.
Donald Trump is pictured in 2016 (left) and in 2024 (right). As of last November, the president-elect’s overall health was deemed “excellent,” according to a letter penned by his personal physician. (David Hume Kennerly/James Devaney; GC Images/Getty Images)
Trump attributed his good health to “genetics,” he said, noting that his parents were also healthy.
The president-elect also acknowledged that his love of golf has helped boost his health and stamina — particularly the “good, fresh air” that comes with being outside, along with the mental stimulation of focusing on the game.
Lifestyle vs. genetics
Osborn said he finds it “fascinating” to look at Trump’s aging process through the lens of genetics and lifestyle.
“It’s well-established that both factors contribute to how we age, with research suggesting that about 75% of aging is driven by lifestyle and environment, and 25% by genetics,” Osborn, who has not treated or examined Trump, told Fox News Digital.
“Research suggests that about 75% of aging is driven by lifestyle and environment, and 25% by genetics.”
“This balance highlights the power of lifestyle choices, even for those with potential genetic advantages.”
While Trump has been open about partaking of fast food and soda, he has said that he doesn’t smoke or drink alcohol.
“Avoiding alcohol and tobacco — major contributors to various health issues — likely benefits his cardiovascular and cognitive health,” Osborn noted.
President-elect Donald Trump is pictured at an election night watch party on Wednesday, Nov. 6, in West Palm Beach, Florida. (AP/Alex Brandon)
The doctor reiterated that the president-elect’s golf outings provide regular outdoor exercise, which is essential for heart and muscle health as he ages.
Beyond the avoidance of alcohol and tobacco, Osborn attributes Trump’s health and stamina to his high level of social interaction.
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“He maintains close relationships with family and friends and keeps up a packed, demanding schedule,” Osborn noted.
“Social engagement and mental stimulation are strongly associated with lower dementia risks, and Trump’s rigorous daily routine likely supports his cognitive health.”
Power of the mind
Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and Fox News senior medical analyst, said that the president-elect has a high level of cognitive health.
“I’ve never examined him, but I interviewed him twice previously and found him to be very engaged and cognitively advanced,” Siegel told Fox News Digital, adding that Trump has taken “several” cognitive tests.
Barack Obama is pictured in 2008 (left) and at the end of his term in 2016 (right). While past presidents have appeared to age quickly during their administrations, experts say Trump maintains high levels of energy and vitality eight years after he was first elected to the White House. (Ralf-Finn Hestoft/Corbis/Samuel Corum; Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
“I spoke several times to his physician during the first term, Sean Conley, who said he was very fit mentally and physically,” Siegel said.
“Many people who know him well tell me that.”
The doctor also noted that Trump has “spoken extemporaneously many times without a script or teleprompter, which is advanced.”
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Osborn echoed that, noting that Trump fielded questions without preparation, which was “sound testimony to his high level of cognitive function and mental fortitude.”
In response to any claims of the president-elect’s cognitive decline, Osborn called them “unfounded.”
“Trump’s cognitive function rivals that of much younger individuals, and his stamina is evident in his ability to manage a high-energy schedule.”
“Trump’s cognitive function rivals that of much younger individuals, and his stamina is evident in his ability to manage a high-energy schedule — think five rallies in five states in a single day!”
Osborn added, “These feats are a testament to his mental and physical resilience, demonstrating that age can truly be just a number.”
‘Strong sense of self’
Jonathan Alpert, a psychotherapist in Manhattan, said that Trump’s “strong sense of self” could also contribute to his stamina. (He has not examined him.)
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