# Creative Ways to Make Virtual Meetings Less Draining?

Author Tired TimCategory[Career & Skills Development](https://jobicy.com/question-category/work.md)Rating 👍 231 / 👎 122Asked on29 Feb 2024Last active21 Apr 2026Answers13 [Answer](#answer-form-container)

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## Description:

Back-to-back video calls are wiping me out. Standard advice is ‘shorter meetings, agendas, breaks’ – we try that. But what are some *creative* or unusual things your team does to make virtual meetings more engaging or less of a soul-suck?

### 13 Answers

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![Mike Andy](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=Mike+Andy&background=random&size=42)
Mike Andy [29 Feb 2024](https://jobicy.com/q/1709200800-creative-ways-to-make-virtual-meetings-less-draining#answer-113.md)

Copy answer link Report answerOccasional 'cameras off' meetings for discussions that don't strictly need visuals. Or even 'walking meetings' where people can call in while getting some steps. Gives the eyes a break.

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Everly Ramirez: Agreed, walking meetings are a neat way to stay active and avoid screen fatigue. Report
Mike Andy: Yeah, walking meetings are actually pretty solid for that. Nice way to keep things moving without staring at a screen the whole time. Report

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![Sam](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=Sam&background=random&size=42)
Sam [2 Mar 2024](https://jobicy.com/q/1709200800-creative-ways-to-make-virtual-meetings-less-draining#answer-120.md)    Copy answer link Report answerVirtual coffee breaks that are purely social, no work talk allowed. 15 mins. Helps replicate those casual office chats and reduces the feeling that every interaction has to be hyper-productive.

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Anonymous: Love the idea of virtual coffee breaks! It really amps up the team synergy. Do you think adding quick energizer games during these breaks could enhance the bandwidth even more? Report
Sam: I think so, as long as they stay quick and don’t turn into another meeting. A small game could make it feel more natural and keep people engaged. Report

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![AsyncAva](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=AsyncAva&background=random&size=42)
AsyncAva [29 Feb 2024](https://jobicy.com/q/1709200800-creative-ways-to-make-virtual-meetings-less-draining#answer-115.md)    Copy answer link Report answerIf a meeting can be an email or a shared doc update, we actively challenge ourselves to do that instead. Also, 'co-working' sessions where we're on a call but muted, just working independently. Company without pressure.

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J. B.: Totally get how exhausting endless calls can be. We should definitely keep pushing for emails or docs when possible and try those co-working sessions to keep the vibe low-key and productive. Have you noticed any drop in multitasking? Report

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![Engage Em](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=Engage+Em&background=random&size=42)
Engage Em [29 Feb 2024](https://jobicy.com/q/1709200800-creative-ways-to-make-virtual-meetings-less-draining#answer-114.md)    Copy answer link Report answerWe start our weekly team meeting with a quick non-work check-in, like 'share one good thing'. Or sometimes a very short, silly icebreaker game. Helps with connection beyond just tasks.

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![Ben Buffer](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=Ben+Buffer&background=random&size=42)
Ben Buffer [1 Mar 2024](https://jobicy.com/q/1709200800-creative-ways-to-make-virtual-meetings-less-draining#answer-117.md)    Copy answer link Report answerMaking meetings 25 or 50 mins instead of 30 or 60. That built-in 5-10 min buffer between calls is a lifesaver for a quick bio break or just to rest your eyes. Our calender tool helps enforce this.

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![MinimalMandy](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=MinimalMandy&background=random&size=42)
MinimalMandy [2 Mar 2024](https://jobicy.com/q/1709200800-creative-ways-to-make-virtual-meetings-less-draining#answer-119.md)    Copy answer link Report answerIdk if its creative but just being REALLY strict about who actually needs to be in the meeting. Optional invites are used heavily. Less people = less pressure for everyone.

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![Creative Web](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=Creative+Web&background=random&size=42)
Creative Web [1 Mar 2024](https://jobicy.com/q/1709200800-creative-ways-to-make-virtual-meetings-less-draining#answer-116.md)    Copy answer link Report answerThemed days! Like 'wear a hat' day for one of the less formal weekly catchups. Sounds cheesy but it lightens the mood a bit. Also using interactive tools like Miro or FigJam for brainstorming instead of just talking heads.

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Leah Weaver: Love themed days but keep it optional Report
Creative Web: Hi, keeping themed days optional helps everyone feel comfortable and still brings some fun into the mix. Thanks Report

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![Zone A.](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=Zone+A.&background=random&size=42)
Zone A. [1 Mar 2024](https://jobicy.com/q/1709200800-creative-ways-to-make-virtual-meetings-less-draining#answer-118.md)    Copy answer link Report answerFor longer workshops, we build in actual stretch breaks or even do a quick guided meditation. Some people opt out but many find it surprisingly refreshing.

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![Kinsley Elliott](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=Kinsley+Elliott&background=random&size=42)
Kinsley Elliott [7 Jun 2025](https://jobicy.com/q/1709200800-creative-ways-to-make-virtual-meetings-less-draining#answer-1405.md)    Copy answer link Report answerLast month I had a week where I lived inside my calendar. I microwaved lunch while on a standup, answered Slack with one eye open, and once accidentally leaned so close to the camera that my nose filled half the frame. I have a mug with my cat's face glued to it because I keep dropping stuff when I'm exhausted. One day I even walked into a meeting with toothpaste still on my lip and pretended it was glitter. Not proud of that one. It made me rethink how we actually spend those hour blocks.

Try swapping recurring status meetings for two-part sessions: a 90 second, pre-recorded video update from each person, watched asynchronously before the call, then a short 15 minute live "issues only" session to resolve what truly needs real-time discussion. Add a one-word mood check at the start of the live part so the host can pace things differently. You cut down passive airtime, preserve human contact, and meetings feel sharper instead of soul-sucking.

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![Lily Fisher](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=Lily+Fisher&background=random&size=42)
Lily Fisher [26 Dec 2025](https://jobicy.com/q/1709200800-creative-ways-to-make-virtual-meetings-less-draining#answer-5326.md)    Copy answer link Report answerWant to break the monotony of back-to-back video calls? Try this 3-step checklist: 1) Rotate meeting facilitators weekly to keep energy fresh and perspectives varied. 2) Introduce a “silent brainstorming” segment where everyone types ideas in chat simultaneously, cutting down on talk time. 3) End meetings with a quick pulse check using emojis or one-word reactions to gauge engagement and adjust future formats accordingly. These small tweaks can reduce fatigue while keeping meetings productive and inclusive.

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![Anonymous](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=Anonymous&background=random&size=42)
Anonymous [27 Dec 2025](https://jobicy.com/q/1709200800-creative-ways-to-make-virtual-meetings-less-draining#answer-5460.md)    Copy answer link Report answerWhy endure virtual fatigue when you can redesign meetings for cognitive relief? Alternate video on/off every 10 minutes to reduce screen strain. Schedule meetings during natural energy peaks, using data from team productivity patterns. Introduce asynchronous pre-meeting polls to focus live discussion and cut duration by up to 30%. Assume teams have flexible schedules and access to collaboration tools.

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![Thomas Gonzalez](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=Thomas+Gonzalez&background=random&size=42)
Thomas Gonzalez [6 Jan 2026](https://jobicy.com/q/1709200800-creative-ways-to-make-virtual-meetings-less-draining#answer-5730.md)    Copy answer link Report answerIn a landscape saturated with video calls, rethink meeting formats to reclaim energy and focus. Experiment with asynchronous pre-meeting briefs that frontload information, allowing live sessions to pivot toward decision-making and dialogue only. Rotate roles such as note-taker or timekeeper to cultivate engagement and shared ownership. Consider integrating micro-pauses—one minute of silence or deep breathing every 15 minutes—to reset cognitive load without disrupting flow. These tactics signal intentionality around well-being while enhancing productivity.

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![Ryan Newton](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=Ryan+Newton&background=random&size=42)
Ryan Newton [21 Apr 2026](https://jobicy.com/q/1709200800-creative-ways-to-make-virtual-meetings-less-draining#answer-7154.md)    Copy answer link Report answerThe idea that virtual meetings have to be soul-crushing monotony is way overblown. Instead of shrinking or breaking them up as everyone parrots, flip the script: turn your meetings into lively performances or interactive workshops where everyone plays a part beyond just talking heads. Have each member bring a “show and tell” object related to their current mood or project—it breaks the ice while sparking genuine curiosity and connection, turning fatigue into engagement. Or try spontaneous role reversals where team members pitch ideas from perspectives opposite their own roles, shaking up stale groupthink and injecting humor. When you invite unpredictability and creativity directly into meeting design, you don’t just survive virtual marathons—you thrive on them energized by genuine interaction and mental sparks rather than draining protocols.

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