How to avoid screen-time burnout

Victoria Turk, author of Digital Etiquette

Now that our work lives and social lives are both happening in the same place – and on the same screen – Zoom fatigue is starting to set in. Here’s how to keep up your energy levels.

Time limits. Set a length for video calls before they begin and stick to it. Keep work meetings short – after around 20 minutes people start zoning out. It’s not rude to put an end time on social events either; just communicate this in advance.

Work vs play. Try switching devices to stop your social life feeling too much like work – you could use your laptop for work and your phone for play. If you don’t have two devices, use different apps to speak to friends versus colleagues.

Video off. Does this need to be a video call? Being on camera all day can feel exhausting, even without the pressure to look at least semi-composed.

Say no. You don’t have to accept every virtual drink and video pub quiz.