The WFH life has become a new normal “thanks” to the COVID-19 pandemic, and that has made Zoom the new boardroom. However, Zoom calls can be a nuisance for hyperhidrosis sufferers because sweating may occur during a conference. It may or may not show, but sweating in a Zoom call is distracting and uncomfortable. Has this been a problem for you? If so, read on to learn some tips to stay dry and comfy while you’re on camera.
Stress, Stress Management, and Zoom Fatigue
For hyperhidrosis sufferers, working from home during the pandemic has given them freedom from situations that require handshakes and other undesired social interactions. However, that doesn't put an end to their problem. A Zoom call can still expose a sweaty shirt or palms or forehead, which can cause as much stress as an in-person meeting.
Speaking of stress, it's important to remember that anxiety does not cause hyperhidrosis. However, it does overstimulate the nervous system, triggering the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. This only worsens a case of excessive sweating. That’s why you need to de-stress before a Zoom call and keep calm during the call. Some ways to do this include:
- Deep breathing & meditation
- Positive affirmations & self-talk
- Avoidance of caffeine and spicy foods before (since they can trigger the release of stress hormones)
- Playing with a fidget (ie. toy, pen, pencil) that induces a calming effect
- Chewing gum
- Taking a calming herb or supplement (that’s approved by your doctor)
- Although not a stress technique, make sure to take hyperhidrosis medications if your doctor has prescribed one to you
It's important to keep a realistic mindset as well. Stress Management will only do so much to reduce excessive sweating. Nevertheless, a calm mind can reduce the amount of sweat your body produces.
Temperature Regulation - Keep Your Thermostat Level
Many of you are hunkered down at home not only because of the pandemic but also because it's winter. You’ve probably got your thermostat cranked high as a result. That’s fair. But remember a hot and muggy room will make you sweat more.
Again, temperature alone doesn't cause excessive sweating and you might still find yourself dripping in cold temperatures. However, a more balanced room temperature can help your own bodily thermostat regulate better. The result? Perhaps a little less sweating - and also a lower heating bill.
Another aspect of temperature regulation comes in the form of what you eat and drink. A hot cup of coffee, tea or a hot meal is pleasant during the winter, but consider enjoying these things after your Zoom call since they too can make you sweat.
Embrace Some “Camera Tricks”
We won't spend too much time here, but it's important to remind you that your camera can be your ally in a Zoom call if used properly. Excessive sweating can show on your forehead or scalp as a result of light illuminating beads of sweat. Also, if you’re wearing a shirt or some other form of clothing that appears soaked, too much lighting may expose it.
You might not be able to completely stop yourself from sweating, of course. However, unlike a live office setting, you can disguise excessive sweating simply by toggling your camera’s display options. Play around with the brightness and contrast of the camera. Adjust the lighting in your room. You might be pleasantly surprised by how much you can downplay the appearance of too much sweat.
Where the Right Layers and Sweat Resistant Fabrics
If you aren’t doing so already, make sure to wear the right layering and fabrics on camera. Some of you may be in roles where you have to show your entire body on screen for meetings or client onboarding sessions. That could mean an item of sweaty clothing making an unwanted guest appearance.
Fortunately, the right layers can disguise this almost entirely. First off, consider your layers:
- Start with a thin layer of clothing underneath, and then add a heavier but looser piece of clothing on top
- For the sake of on-camera meetings, choose dark-colored fabrics since they can hide sweat stains better than lighter ones
Next, rethink the material of your shirts. If you're suffering from excessive sweating, do yourself a favor by wearing sweat-resistant clothing.
The right sweat-resistant fabric doesn't just conceal excessive sweating, it also reduces its volume and the sensation of sweat on your skin. Our sweat-resistant fabrics were scientifically formulated with specialized compositions to help reduce the amount of sweat that lingers in the shirt. They include:
- Sweat activated fabric that blocks moisture from escaping the shirt, leading to less dampness and irritation
- A maze-like fabric that diffuses sweats so that it does not soak through your clothing
- Moisture-wicking ability that helps the undergarment dry fast
Wearing these fabrics under your clothing while on a Zoom call can give you peace of mind thanks to reduced visibility and the sensation of sweating. More importantly, you'll be able to focus on the meeting at hand.
For Sweatless Zoom Meetings
Being on camera for meetings & conferences during these surreal times can feel like a drag. So don't let sweat add another layer of dread to them. Prepare yourself ahead of time by avoiding triggers that may increase your output of sweat. Arm yourself with sweat-resistant fabrics and also create a comfortable home environment as well. Your Zoom calls may not get any more exciting, but they’ll certainly feel a lot more comfortable.
