The neurologist explained the occurrence of fatigue due to video calls

Video calls can become a source of fatigue, including due to the high cognitive load. On March 25, the head of the Department of Nervous Diseases of the IPO of the First Moscow State Medical University told Izvestia. Sechenova Alexey Danilov.

"Live communication is a much richer and more natural process for us. During a face-to-face meeting, we read a huge amount of non-verbal information: the body language, the posture of the interlocutor, his gestures, micro-facial expressions, even the smell. The brain does this automatically, on a subconscious level, without requiring additional efforts," said Danilov.

According to the expert, videoconferencing impoverishes this process. So, the interlocutor is perceived only as a "talking head", and the brain is forced to complete the missing elements, spending energy on recognizing emotions and intentions without the usual non-verbal prompts. This requires an increased cognitive load. A technical delay, even for a couple of seconds, makes you perceive the other person as less friendly or focused.

In addition, during the video call, you can see your own picture on the screen. Constant introspection leads to additional stress, as a person begins to monitor their facial expressions, posture and background, which is not a natural state and requires additional brain resources. In addition, the lack of body language and microregions of interlocutors affects the functioning of the brain and nervous system.

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"Body language is not just an addition to words. This is a key element of communication that allows us to feel safe, trust, and understand when it is possible to engage in conversation and when it is better to remain silent," the doctor noted.

If this condition drags on, it can lead to chronic stress or burnout. The signs are increasing anxiety before turning on the camera, rapid fatigue and irritability after meetings. It is also important to pay attention to physical symptoms such as headaches, tension in the neck and shoulders, and sleep disorders.

The usual fatigue goes away after rest, while the symptoms of nervous system overload persist. An alarming signal is regular headaches, difficulty concentrating, and memory problems.

It is important to review the work schedule and set clear boundaries between working hours and rest. If symptoms persist, it is worth contacting a specialist, Danilov added.

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