April 29, 2010

Is the Real Estate Market Stressing You Out?

So, how do you manage stress when you're waiting for deals to close, or lenders to respond, or clients to provide you information? Well, if you're feeling a bit stressed, try some of these stressbusters.

1. Breathe
Once you sense that a stressful situation is about to erupt or you realize you already are smack dab in the middle of one, your first line of defense is to take a few deep breaths. Slowly. Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. Pay attention to your breath. Pay attention to your belly going in and out. Do that 5-10 times and you'll probably feel more relaxed and less tense.

2. Stay Calm
Try to stay calm. Don't panic. Because you know what happens when you hit the panic button. Things inside your head go haywire and get all jammed up. Or you're like a deer in headlights. So, to prevent that from happening, relax Max and stay cool. That's the rule. You want to remain as levelheaded as possible and not send yourself into overdrive, so you can think clearly and rationally.

3. Distract Yourself
If the situation is really stressful and you need to de-stress immediately, then a good way to do that is to distract yourself and get your attention moving in another direction. You can try listening to soothing music, saying positive affirmations, counting, reading something inspirational, going for a walk, thinking about your favorite place, calling a friend, or anything you find enjoyable and that can get your mind off the stressful situation quickly.

4. Express Yourself
Let it out. Talk to someone you trust about what is bothering you. Or if you don't feel comfortable talking to someone, write it down. Create a journal. Find a way to express what you are feeling so you don't keep it bottled up. If necessary, find a support group or therapist.

5. Exercise
Exercise is a wonderful stressbuster. Be sure to choose activities you enjoy. No need to add to your stress by forcing yourself to do things you don't like. You can choose walking, jogging, running, swimming, aerobics, weight training, stair climbing, biking, dancing, kickboxing, skiing, skating, rowing, rollerblading, Pilates, Tai Chi, yoga . . . well, you get the point.

6. Meditate
Silence. Stillness. These are activities associated with meditation, which is known for its many health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, increasing serotonin levels, and enhancing the immune system. There are many ways to meditate, but the main activities include: be still, be silent, get comfortable, and pay attention to your breath. Thoughts will come into your mind, but just let them fade away and bring your attention back to your breathing. Meditating for as little as 10-20 minutes per session has been shown to have positive health benefits. 

7. Do Something You Enjoy
Whatever you enjoy doing, do more of it. This is a super-easy way to relieve stress. I have a button that says, "Enjoy life. This is not a dress rehearsal." Oh, so true.

Well, that should be enough to get you started on the path to being less stressed. Find what works and do it regularly.

Until next time.

Be well.

Posted by: shana@lakeviewtitle.com