There’s no question the real estate business can be pretty trying at times. When you work in a field with this much competition, a fluctuating housing market and an income that can vary from month-to-month, it can definitely take its toll. Here are some ways to help you cope with the stress that can come from this career.
Manage Your Time Better
Putting off projects or not focusing on your priorities, like following up with clients promptly, can cause a lot of unnecessary stress. Make a list of things you need to accomplish each day and check each one off as you go along. By mapping out what needs to be done, you can better allocate your time for the things that matter the most and stop putting additional pressure on yourself.
Take a Deep Breath
When a deal you’ve been working on hits a snag and is causing some tension, take a minute or two for some deep breathing. You’d be surprised at what a calming effect it can have. To get started, sit up straight in your chair and breathe in slowly through your nose as you fill your lungs with air. Hold your breath for a few seconds, and then breathe out slowly through your mouth. Do it for a few minutes and repeat throughout the day whenever you feel stressed.
Keep a Positive Attitude
Constantly worrying about whether a potential real estate transaction will fall apart or the state of the housing market will do you no good. Instead, focus on providing the best service you can for your clients and coming up with solutions and compromises when a problem does arise. The more you allow yourself to get stressed about a situation, the harder it will be for you to deal with it logically.
Exercise When You Can
Exercise is one of the best ways to reduce stress because it releases endorphins in the brain that make you feel better. You don’t have to do much to feel the benefits. Try taking a walk around the block at lunchtime, doing some stretching at your desk or going for a bike ride or swim whenever you can. Anything that gets the blood flowing a bit can help you feel better. Be sure to check with your doctor first if you have any underlying medical conditions.
Get More Sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep can help you better manage the stress that can come from hosting too many open houses. Most adults need between 7-8 hours, so if you’re tossing and turning the night away, you’ll be more stressed with each passing day. To help prepare yourself for the sleep your body needs, dim the lights in your home, drink some soothing herbal tea and shut the TV or computer down at least a half hour before you head to bed.
Eat Healthy
The way that you eat can play a role in how you feel throughout the day, so avoid fatty foods, sugary snacks and too much caffeine, which can increase your blood pressure and add to your stress. Instead, try to eat more fruits and vegetables, whole grains and fish that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, which has been proven to help reduce the symptoms of stress.
Make Time For You
It pays to put in the hours and hard work, but it’s also important to have balance so your job doesn’t take over your life. Give yourself a break and set aside some time each day for an activity or hobby that you really enjoy. Maybe it’s strumming a guitar, doing the crossword puzzle or feeding the birds in your yard. Whatever it is, find the time to do it. It’ll help you relax so you won’t feel so stressed at the office or at home.
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