Let’s be honest: Virtual meetings used to feel cool. A quick Zoom here, a casual Google Meet there. No commute, no traffic, just you, your screen, and a strong Wi-Fi connection. But now? It’s 3PM. You’re still on camera. Your eyes are dry. Your back hurts. And you’re pretending to care while secretly counting how many times your colleague says “circle back.”
Welcome to the burnout phase of remote meetings. And yes, Zoom fatigue is real—even if we don’t always call it that. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to dread every calendar invite. With a few practical shifts, you can show up sharp, sound engaged, and leave the call without needing a nap or a scream. Here’s a no-pressure guide I’ve personally used to survive those long days of virtual meetings from home.
1. Start Your Day With Your Energy in Mind, Not Just Your Calendar
Before you log on, check in with yourself. How’s your energy? What’s the power situation like? Do you have enough data? Do you need to switch to backup Wi-Fi or head to that small café down the road? Remote work isn’t about proving you’re always “available.” It’s about creating rhythms that protect your capacity.
If your morning is already chaotic, be honest. Push that non-urgent call back. You won’t be useful in a meeting if your mind is fighting NEPA.
2. Plan to Recharge Between Calls — Even for Just 5 Minutes
You’re not a robot. You’re not ChatGPT. You can’t just go from one intense meeting to another without taking a beat. I use a simple rule now: one cup of water, one stretch, one breath before I join the next meeting. That 5-minute window resets your brain. It helps you stop carrying stress from the last call into the next one.
3. Forget Looking “Perfect” on Camera — Just Be Present
Sometimes you’ll join a meeting from your kitchen. Sometimes your hair won’t be cooperating. Sometimes your background is just your curtain and a portable fan. It’s okay. You just need you — clear, audible, and ready to contribute. The pressure to be “polished” on camera is exhausting. What matters is the work, not your wallpaper.
4. Use Audio-Only Mode Without Apology When You Need It
Some days, you don’t have light. Or maybe you’re just tired of seeing yourself on screen for the 7th time that day. Turn off your camera. Say, “I’ll stay on audio for this one.” It’s a boundary, not a crime. What’s more important: being seen, or being useful?
5. Have a No-Distraction Setup That Respects Your Sanity
I once took a client call with generator noise, background chatter, and WhatsApp notifications buzzing every minute. Never again. Now, I block off a physical space for meetings (even if it’s just a corner with a mat and my laptop). I silence notifications. I turn off “WhatsApp Web then turned on the Let-Me-Finish-This-Meeting mode. It makes a difference.
6. Don’t Let Meetings Eat Your Whole Day
You’re not being paid to “attend.” You’re being paid to produce. If your whole day is Zoom calls and there’s no time left to actually do the work — you have a problem.
Push back. Suggest async updates. Propose shorter meetings. You can say: “Let’s do 30 minutes instead of an hour.” Or “Can we move this to Slack?” Speak up. Protect your work time. You are not a screen ornament.
7. Check Your Health — Zoom Fatigue Is Physical Too
Headaches. Eye strain. Feeling wired but tired. Those are real symptoms. Virtual meeting stress can sneak up on you. Start using:
- Blue light filters or glasses
- 15-minute breaks every 90 minutes
- Phone alarms for movement and water
- Lower screen brightness
- Real meals (not garri and air)
Final Word: You Don’t Owe Anyone 12 Hours of “Professional”
Back-to-back meetings make you feel like if you’re not constantly present, you’ll be forgotten. That’s a lie. Presence isn’t about being on-camera all day. It’s about showing up well—focused, thoughtful, and prepared.
Working remotely from Nigeria is already tough enough. Don’t add perfectionism to your burden. Be smart. Be human. Take breaks. And most of all — protect your peace. Because you can’t pour from an empty Zoom.
