A path in real estate is one of the most rewarding careers you can choose. But even if you’ve made the right choice, personal profit is often paired with equal amounts of anxiety. With so much to manage, it’s no wonder agents are vulnerable to high levels of stress. And without even realizing it, the stress you experience can have a direct impact on other important areas of your life. So while there are some areas of your career you can’t always control, here are 28 actions you can take right now to minimize stress and truly love life (like you deserve).
How to Relieve Real Estate Stress
Action #1: Take a Deep Breath… (or Ten)
Action #2: Get Up And Exercise
Action #3: Manage Your Time
Action #4: Get Enough Sleep
Action #5: Unplug and Unwind
Action #6: Activate Affirmations
Action #7: Get Off The Phone
Action #8: Get ON The Phone
Action #9: Be Assertive
Action #10: Create Boundaries
Action #11: Get Out Of Your Head
Action #12: Talk It Out
Action #13: Remember Your “Why”
Action #14: Meditate
Action #15: Set Realistic Expectations
Action #16: Set Realistic Goals
Action #17: Call Friends or Family
Action #18: Develop/Find A Hobby
Action #19: Take A Walk
Action #20: Express Gratitude
Action #21: Stay In The Present
Action #22: Set Your Schedule
Action #23: Don’t Procrastinate
Action #24: Help Others
Action #25: Cut Out Negativity
Action #26: Don’t Take It Personally
Action #27: Take A Vacation
Action #28: Join A Community
Action #1: Take a Deep Breath… (or Ten)
With a schedule full of prospecting, listing appointments, open houses, closings, and so much more, it’s easy to let anxiety build up and take control. And the more stressed you are, the greater your risk of coming across as cranky with a contact or client. Â
So the next time you feel your anxiety levels rising, relieve some stressful pressure by taking a few (try 10) steady, deep, relaxing breaths. The extra dose of oxygen will help you think more clearly and make better decisions. If you don’t stop to breathe, a burn out could come a lot quicker than you think. If you do, the few minutes you take for yourself could be the answer to less stress and more productivity.Â
Action #2: Get Up And Exercise
It can be easy to let stress from your daily todos stack up and wear you out. Sometimes, it can even feel like you’re going to explode. So before your anxiety causes an uncomfortable meltdown, try blowing off some steam the old-fashioned way with some quick, healthy exercises!Â
Whether you take a quick walk for some fresh air, hit the gym before the office, or simply stand up and stretch in between prospecting calls, your exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous to help with your stress. Almost any amount of movement will help clear your head, improve your mindset, and alleviate anxiety. So get up right now (or in any moment of stress) and feel the instant benefits exercise can bring to your day.
Action #3: Manage Your Time
How you manage your working hours greatly affects the rest of your life. It’s how you maximize productivity to have more free time for yourself, family, and fun. And while everyone has the same 24 hours in a day, how you use those hours can determine your success (or failure).
To get the most out of your work hours, start each morning by listing out priorities for the day. This will help you focus on the most important tasks at hand instead of getting sidetracked with unnecessary or less important todos. Next, set time limits for your tasks to help you stay efficient, focused, and to prevent procrastination. Lastly, don’t forget to eliminate distractions. Social media and emails can wait until later. For now, let the “Do Not Disturb” button become your best friend for a surge in success.Â
Action #4: Get Enough Sleep
Just like a car won’t go without gas, an agent without enough sleep won’t get very far. Prioritizing your sleep schedule is one of the best things you can do tonight to benefit your business. Proper sleep gives you the fuel you need to be alert and attentive with homeowners for positive interactions when prospecting.
So if you find yourself yawning through your prospecting calls or dozing off during listing appointments, take action and set a goal to get better sleep. Believe it or not, better sleep will increase your ability to accomplish more with less stress.
Action #5: Unplug and Unwind
Turning off technology can turn tension into tranquility. Every “ding” or “ring” from your phone is just another potential pile of problems. So ask yourself, “How often do I go offline?” If it’s not often (or never), unplug, slow down and incorporate “quiet time” into your routine.Â
Unplugging is a great way to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of your busy schedule, both in and out of the office. Try it out and see how taking time away from tech can recharge your motivation and help you tackle your tasks more efficiently.
Action #6: Activate Affirmations
Have you ever looked in a mirror and told yourself, “I am in full control of my life. I am capable. Today is a great day.” If not, try it out! Self-doubt and criticism are some of the quickest ways to muddle your mindset and pack on extra anxiety. Positive self-talk and affirmations have been proven to reduce stress levels and improve problem-solving skills.Â
The first step is to recognize when negative self-criticism happens and quickly replace it with positive affirmations. Simply telling yourself, “I can do this” or “I can become better” has the power to drastically change your mindset and lower your stress levels. So next time you’re looking in the mirror, say a few positive affirmations out loud, and notice less stress in your day-to-day doings.
Action #7: Get Off The Phone
Not all prospecting sessions are created equal. Some are rougher than others. So when you’re having a particularly problematic prospecting session, it’s okay (and encouraged) to get off the phone and take a break. Continuing a session when you’re angry or stressed out can easily transfer to your calls. Simply hitting the “stop” button can help you reset.
Take a drink of water or a walk around the office, then get back on the phone with a calm mind. Your calls will be a lot smoother and you’ll be ready to achieve your daily goals.
Action #8: Get ON The Phone
A quick break from the phone can be helpful (and necessary), but it shouldn’t interfere with your success. Not knowing when your next check will come can make life stressful, so instead of sitting and worrying, take action and get on the phone for more listing appointments.
A lot of prospecting agents track their numbers to see how many dials they need for a contact, how many contacts it takes to get an appointment, and how many appointments it takes to get a listing. If you track your numbers this way, you’ll be able to figure out exactly how you’re going to make money. Then, you can enjoy the stress-free satisfaction of knowing business is in YOUR control.
Action #9: Be Assertive
Sometimes a lack of communication with bosses, co-workers, family members, or friends can lead to increased levels of stress. If you have needs or concerns to express, but aren’t willing to communicate them to others, you’ll spend more time worrying about those things than you do accomplishing your actual tasks.
Letting others know about your needs in a firm, yet fair manner (while still having empathy) is the perfect way to resolve stressful situations. This way you can finish exactly what you need to before moving on with your other daily tasks, stress-free!
Action #10: Create Boundaries
Have you ever been called a “people-pleaser”? Do you “know” you have a hard time telling people “NO”? Then this action item is for you. It’s easy to feel like you’re not in control when you’re too afraid to turn people down. But even when you mean well, establishing strong professional boundaries is crucial for effective stress management. Â
As an agent, helping others is a huge part of your job. But you don’t need to fulfill every request that comes your way at the expense of your own well-being. Make sure to communicate clear working boundaries with clients, co-workers, and family members so you can “shut down” after work and take the time you need to care for yourself.Â
Action #11: Get Out Of Your Head
Your mind can be your greatest ally in combating stress, but it can also become your enemy (if you’re not careful). What you think to yourself can intensify your stress if you let it run wild with thoughts of inadequacy or regret. We’ve all been there. You start to stress about one thing, and before you know it, you’re worrying about everything else you have to do.
Just remember: you are in control of your own mind. You have the power to stop negative thoughts in their tracks and replace them with positive self-talk, a good book, uplifting music, or a phone call to a good friend. Retrain your brain to focus on more uplifting thoughts and avoid the downward spiral of stressful negativity.
Action #12: Talk It Out
Sometimes the best way to eliminate your stress and frustration is to talk it all out. Venting to another agent who has experienced similar issues can be very therapeutic, and they might have tips one how to mitigate your frustrations. You can release your built-up tension, see things through a different perspective, and realize you’re not the only one who feels stressed out about real estate.
If you do “talk it out” with someone, be careful not to get into a “venting frenzy” of negative thoughts. Discuss your frustrations to relieve your stress, then use your venting session to brainstorm positive solutions and take action.
Action #13: Remember Your “Why”
Take a moment to remember why you’re in real estate. Do you enjoy the freedom to set your own hours? Do you like helping people find their dream homes? No matter the reason, you can relieve anxiety by reminding yourself why you’re here in the first place.
If being an agent was easy, your clients wouldn’t need you and they wouldn’t pay you big bucks for the work you do! Recount how many homes you’ve sold in the last few years (or the homes you’re going to sell) and remember to enjoy the benefits of a career in real estate that you won’t find anywhere else.
Action #14: Meditate
The positive power of meditation can be traced back to the earliest records of human existence. We’ve been doing it forever! Which might make you think… maybe there’s something to it.  Recent studies show that meditation can improve productivity by 120% due to its ability to help alleviate stress. And it only takes 10-20 minutes a day!
So if you’re new to meditation and want to try it out, download a meditation app like Headspace. These apps teach you exactly how to meditate with step-by-step videos and daily guided exercises. They’re specifically designed to help you overcome frustration and enjoy life by being present in each and every moment. If you’re having trouble sleeping, can’t focus at work, or are experiencing general anxiety in your day-to-day life, daily meditation can help.Â
Action #15: Set Realistic Expectations
It’s easy to look at top real estate agents and form unrealistic expectations about what it takes to get to the top. But remember: amazing agents started at the same place you did, and they only got where they are today after a lot of hard work. Be patient with yourself and remember that the path to success is a step-by-step journey, not a single giant leap.Â
Rather than mimicking practices top agents do right now, take a few steps back and start with processes they used when they first started prospecting. If they make calls for one hour a day now, start yourself off with three or four. Be patient and disciplined while you build your skills, knowing it takes time to perfect. The work will be worth it.
Action #16: Set Realistic Goals
With realistic expectations in mind, it’s important to make sure your goals are realistic too. Most agents know they should set goals, and they often do. The tricky part is setting goals that are achievable and realistic. $1 million GCI in a month, while ambitious, will inevitably stress you out.Â
There’s a balance between setting reasonable goals to push yourself and setting unrealistic goals that will make life more difficult than it needs to be. If you’re unsure how to set realistic goals, see how using “SMART” can increase productivity while decreasing stress.
Action #17: Call Friends or Family
Next time you feel stress building up, take out your phone and try making a non-business call. Human connection with someone you know and love is a great way to relieve anxiety. So call up a friend, a relative, or maybe someone you haven’t connected with in awhile and have a chat. It doesn’t need to be work related either, just talk about life!
Connecting with someone you care about is one of the best ways to uplift and recharge your mind. Not only will it help alleviate your own stress, but it will bring meaning and happiness to whoever you chat with.Â
Action #18: Develop/Find A Hobby
If real estate is 100% of your life… you might go crazy. So if you have a hobby, set aside some time to expand and develop it. If you don’t have a hobby (or want a new one), it’s never too late to try something new! Exploring your passions through different avenues will help you take control of the things you have to do so you can enjoy the things you want to do.
Hobbies offer a healthy outlet to explore yourself and your interests instead of dwelling on your daily stresses. Find a hobby by trying new activities, signing up for interesting classes, or asking friends what hobbies they enjoy. The time you take away from work, if used wisely, can greatly impact the time you spend at work.
Action #19: Take A Walk
Next time you’re stressed, stop what you’re doing and go outside. There are few things fresh air can’t fix. Plus, removing yourself from the office can give you a much-needed reset in the middle of your day. When you come back to your desk, you’ll feel rejuvenated, refreshed, and ready to work hard.
While on your walk, focus on your surroundings and let go of things you can’t control. Maybe put in some headphones and listen to your favorite music or a podcast like Tim And Julie Harris or Real Estate Uncensored. The fresh air, scenery, and exercise will make a noticeable difference in how the rest of your day goes.Â
Action #20: Express Gratitude
The next time you’re ready to pull your hair out because of a client, take a moment to appreciate the impact real estate has made in your life. Has it paid for some amazing vacations? Has it introduced you to some great new friends? Instead of focusing on the stress it can bring, recognize all of the wonderful things made possible because of your career in real estate.
Expressing gratitude allows you to shift your mindset away from chaos and negativity toward a more positive perspective. Plus, if real estate weren’t stressful, homeowners wouldn’t need you! Remember that you provide a great service to people in need (and get paid to do it!) A lot of agents express their appreciation in a gratitude journal. Take just a few minutes every day to write down the things you’re grateful for. Your daily gratitude will carry into the rest of your day and have a positive impact on all your interactions.
Action #21: Stay In The Present
Everyone gets stressed about deadlines. While it’s important to remember what needs to be done, it’s just as important to focus on the present and take action on what you can do right now. Dwelling on what’s to come will only add to your anxiety.
Once you know the goals you want to accomplish in the future, make sure you focus on what you need to accomplish today. Breaking up tomorrows goals into “today-sized” pieces will give you daily satisfaction on the road to your final destination.Â
Action #22: Set Your Schedule
Creating and keeping a schedule is essential for stress management. It prioritizes what needs to be done while protecting your time for immediate priorities. If hitting the gym at 8am is your thing… schedule it. If you prospect from 9-12pm… schedule it. If you door knock from 1-3pm… schedule it.
Keeping a schedule also means scheduling fun into your routine. Whether it’s taking time to play tennis every week, or carving out family time every evening, putting it in your schedule will make it more likely to happen. Also remember to “shut off” your schedule at the end of your work day. This means no more work calls, emails, tasks, outside of your scheduled time slots.Â
Action #23: Don’t Procrastinate
We’ve all done it… waiting until the last possible minute to finish a chore, task, or project. While procrastinating is “default mode” when you’re already stressed, it’s also the easiest way to make yourself more stressed in the long run.
Instead of waiting to prospect until the last minute, take action and do it now. Save your future self from pressure and anxiety and put the things you want to do the least at the top of your to-do list. When you get them done first, you’ll have more time for the things you enjoy and spend less time worrying about the things you forgot.
Action #24: Help Others
Helping others is a tried and true activity for a heavy dose of the “feel-goods.” Whether it’s helping someone mow their lawn, cooking dinner for a family in need, or just stopping by to drop off flowers, serving other people will put you (and them) in a good mood.
Try getting involved in community service opportunities. Not only will you be giving back to your community, but you’ll also be meeting new people to add to your sphere of influence.Â
Action #25: Cut Out Negativity
If you want to grow a stress-free garden, you’re going to have to “weed out” the negative influences in your life. Whether it’s a co-worker, family member, friend, or client, if they’re constantly and consistently bringing you down, don’t keep them around. There’s enough stress and pressure in real estate as it is, having people who constantly criticize and complain isn’t going to help you reach your goals.
Surround yourself with people who have positive attitudes and who push you to be your best. Choose to make your environment one full of positivity and support. It will go a long way in helping you reach your full potential.
Action #26: Don’t Take It Personally
Whether you’re prospecting to strangers or talking to a client, don’t take someone else’s bad day personally. When someone yells at you on the phone, remember you’re there to help them (whether they know it or not.) Usually you’re not the one they’re even mad at. The people you talk to are typically angry with their previous agent(s), and your presence is only a reminder of their bad experiences. In reality, it has nothing to do with you.
Letting rejection offend you will only result in more stress and a desire to quit. So next time you get a “NO,” let it roll off your back while you work toward your next “YES.”
Action #27: Take A Vacation
This next action item is a popular recommendation from actual agents. Vacations are one of the best things you can do to help manage your stress. It allows you to get away from the “daily grind” and take an extended mental breather.
Beware of falling into the trap of thinking vacations are a waste of time or aren’t necessary. Vacations improve your motivation to achieve your goals and increase your ability to focus. Plus, you’ll be able to avoid the inevitable “burn out” that happens when you work too much and enjoy life too little.
Action #28: Join A Community
This last one is easy: join a community of agents who you can relate to. Facebook groups and forums where you can ask (and answer) questions like, “How do you deal with rejection?” or “What are the best times to prospect?” are full of helpful answers and information you can use to learn, grow, and support others.Â
Being a part of a real estate community reminds you that you’re not alone with the frustrations that come from being an agent, and they allow you to support (and be supported) throughout your real estate journey.
Lights… Camera… Action!
While stress might be inevitable in real estate, it is manageable. Try any of these 28 actions right now to alleviate short-term stress, and keep it up every day for lasting effects. The next time you’re biting your fingernails or feel like you want to explode because of everything on your plate, come back and find an action you can take to find relief. After all, it’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s how you carry it.
About REDX
REDX offers real estate professionals a complete all-in-one prospecting platform for generating listing appointments. The platform includes seller leads, a dialer with up to three lines, and a lead management tool for simple follow-up. REDX maintains the position that all agents should be compliant with state and federal telecom laws – learn more here. Call (800) 731-7339 option 1 to learn more about prospecting FSBOs, Expireds, FRBOs, Pre Foreclosures, GeoLeads, and our Power Dialer – or visit www.redx.com
