Want to enjoy online meetings? Here’s how

Change is hard. And the changes caused by COVID-19, civil unrest, and the global economic downturn have made 2020 incredibly stressful.?

One thing that has changed for many people is that work, social, and community meetings are now online. A great way to decrease stress in these times is to act powerfully whenever possible — and that includes showing up fully for online meetings.?

Are you hoping that things will change for the better once there is a vaccine and “social distancing” is a thing of the past? You are not alone. That said, there is a Winston Churchill quote, “Never let a good crisis go to waste.”??

When done well, online meetings are engaging, interactive conversations that can save time and money , include a wide variety of voices, and protect our environment by reducing travel.?

Follow the five steps below and you will soon find yourself smiling more during online meetings.

1. Show up fully. As with driving, online meetings deserve your full attention. They are not a TV series. Sit close to the screen. Nod even when you are muted. Close your email. Avoid eating on camera. As online learning expert Seth Godin sums up: “Multi-tasking isn’t productive, respectful or healthy.”
2. Set up your workspace. A good set-up may mean using a large monitor, keeping light sources like windows in front of you (front-lit, not backlit), using a?headset , adding joyful elements like plants, creating a standing desk, or simply adjusting your chair. If you are working from home, check out this work-from-home checklist , this guide to home office equipment , and these ergonomic tips and video .
3. Give your eyes a break. Follow the “20-20-20 rule.” Look away from any computer screen at least every 20 minutes by gazing 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Set a timer to remind yourself. This article in English and Spanish provides more tips for weary eyes.
4. Help meetings go well. First and foremost,?mute?yourself when you are not speaking. Once you are comfortable with the basics of an online meeting, thing about how you want to help. Do you want to moderate the chat box? Lead a stretch break? Lead a small group? Share your expertise? Find a way to contribute your strengths.
5. Smile and notice you already look great. Get comfortable being online by adjusting your settings to show just the main speaker or in other ways . Another way to increase your comfort level online is to virtually cowork with a coworker, a friend, or a stranger via a platform like Focusmate or Caveday .