COVID-19 has shifted different industries after the pandemic has started the previous year. Since the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine has started in the United States, many companies in the country are still not requiring their workers to report to their offices. But because of frequent video conferences, effects like Zoom anxiety can develop and affect the work of an individual.

Psychology Today noted that Zoom interactions and other platforms of video conferencing can create unique opportunities for social anxiety to make a way to an individual's brain. Zoom anxiety usually has symptoms before, during, and after an online interaction.

Buffalo7 was surveyed in November 2020, which involved 2000 home workers. The respondents revealed that their zoom anxiety is rooted in audio problems that can't be fixed, unable to read people's body language, the audio from one's computer can't be heard, and even taking a call without time to prepare for appearance.

Coping With Zoom Anxiety

Zoom anxiety is defined as a physical feeling of distress caused by video calls. If in the middle of a pandemic and you are experiencing zoom anxiety, here's how to cope with Zoom anxiety and overcome those fears while having your online meetings.

Self-Soothing

The manifestation of this technology-based anxiety can begin even before the actual interaction. Hours or even a day before the online meeting, nervousness may already descend. To counter this uncomfortable feeling, talking to oneself saying it will be okay will help you relax. Another one is making positive predictions about what will happen in the meeting will have a positive outcome.

Invest in a Camera Shield

If you fear the sudden turning on of your camera in the middle of the meeting, having a tool that covers it will help. Cnet noted that camera shields physically cover the camera of your devices. With this, you will not fear that you will suddenly pop out of the meeting because others will not see you unless you physically remove your cover.

Mindfulness

During the meeting, you might experience sweating and other distractions. Bringing your awareness and focus to the one who is speaking is a great help. Although you will be somehow conscious on how on your appearance during the call, focusing on the area of other people will help. Focusing on the sound of the words of the speaker will help recenter your attention if in case you got lost.

Reevaluate the Need for Conferences

It might not be necessary to have a conference. If it is deemed necessary, reevaluate if you "need to turn your video on," as said by Jeremy Bailenson, the founding director of Stanford University's Virtual Human Interaction Lab.

Take a Break

If zoom anxiety persists, taking a break from it is a big help. Remember that in the middle of the pandemic, people tend to be understanding of the challenges working from home has brought every worker. Remember that you are not alone who have experienced stress and anxiety over video calls in the course of the pandemic.

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