Make Self-Care a Priority

Buying and selling a home is often considered one of life’s most stressful situations. Luckily, it’s something most people only do a few times.

Not so for Realtors. Successful Realtors help people buy and sell homes several times a month. You market the properties, facilitate negotiations and make sure everything stays on track — all while reassuring and consoling homeowners who are worried their home won’t sell or they won’t be able to purchase their dream home. And while you’re busy with the listings, showings, closings and everything else in between, you also have to be there for family and friends, balancing your personal and professional lives.

Selling real estate is stressful!

As a real estate agent, that’s why it’s more important than ever to be mindful of your mental wellness. Our Realtor Relations Extraordinaire Tammy McCall recently hosted a “Mental Health Matters!” workshop in Sienna on this very topic, exploring types of available mental health resources and guided meditation for self-love and abundance.

Couldn’t attend (probably because you were too busy)? We have some quick and easy tips you can do to take care of yourself mentally and emotionally:

Identify What Makes You Happy

You do a lot of things during the day — take a moment to see how each thing makes you feel. Endeavor to do more of what creates joy in your life. For example, if you despair of say, filing or doing the laundry, see if you can enlist someone else to help. Know that you enjoy reading, hiking or another hobby? Schedule time for it as an appointment! 

Quick Breathing Exercises

This is something that doesn’t take a lot of time but can have enormous benefits. Breathing exercises are mindfulness tools that can anchor you in the moment, reduce anxiety and provide clarity. There are several apps or YouTube videos that can guide you through a quick meditation. Or develop your own practice with a focus on the sensation of breathing and letting your mind wander without judgment.

Eat for Your Physical and Mental Health

It’s interesting that we’re told to eat for better physical health — fruits, vegetables, salmon, chicken, nuts, yogurt, whole grains — are the same foods that boost mental health. Eat probiotics such as yogurt for a healthy gut, which produces serotonin and is closely linked to mental health. Nuts, fatty fish and green leafy vegetables decrease inflammation in the body. Studies have shown berries can help with depression. Whole grains like oats, beans and brown rice encourage slow glucose production which helps keep your energy level steady. A bit of time meal planning and prepping for meals throughout the week can keep you on track for a healthier diet.

Practice Gratitude

Another practice to develop a healthy mindset is to write down three things you’re grateful for each day. Noting the positives in your life — both small and large — can de-emphasize items that are causing you stress.

Sleep

Getting enough sleep may top the list of things you can do for better self-care — it also might be the area you’re tempted to steal from to get more done during the day. Don’t. Sleep deficiency has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke and more. For better sleep, condition your body to go to bed and wake at the same time each morning. Avoid caffeine, heavy meals and screens near bedtime. Create a restful environment with comfortable bedding and thermostat set to your liking.

We hope this has been helpful! Even if you adopt just one of these suggestions, it’s a step toward enhanced self-care and a happier you.