Working in real estate can be extremely stressful. High levels of stress hormones such as cortisol are fine when it comes to acute, threatening situations like being chased by a bear, but the chronic high levels which are a signature of 21st-century life can increase the risk of virtually every disease.

Stress comes with the territory in real estate, especially for those that are self-employed. No sales can often mean no income and with life-changing amounts of money being exchanged, everyone one involved can feel under pressure and irritable.

However, with a few methods and changes; you can reduce stress levels significantly – which should, in turn, make you a more effective real estate agent and give you a better quality of life.

Outsourcing

Time is money, and a general lack of time can be stressful. One way to reduce interruptions and ensure that you capture all of your potential sales leads is to use a phone answering service. Using a 24/7 service can also ensure that you can literally switch off at the end of the working day and relax or spend quality time with your family.

It can also be relatively cheap and cost-effective to outsource administrative tasks such as scheduling, sorting travel arrangements and if required – simple tasks such as data entry. For self-employed real estate agents, outsourcing bookkeeping or getting a bookkeeping app such as FreeAgent can streamline all the financial paperwork without the expense of a local accountant.

Adaptogens

Also, speak to your doctor before taking any supplements or making any changes to your diet.

Adaptogens are a group of herbs that help the body to alleviate and deal with the effects of chronic stress. If you don’t like tablets or you don’t have the time to grow your own herbs, a herbal cup of tea might be the answer.

Well, known adaptogens include ginseng, maca and even rosemary. Always consult your doctor before consuming an adaptogen however, it’s possible they could interact with medication.

Music

Making music has been a community activity in every known culture on the planet. Listening to music can have a profound effect on a person’s mood and it is because of this, it can help alleviate the stress of everyday life as a real estate agent.

A recent study carried out by Mindlab International concluded that playing the “world’s most relaxing song” before surgery could be just as beneficial for calming a patient’s nerves as medication – the song in question is “Weightless” by Marconi Union.

If you are doing work on your computer, the listening to binaural beats can also have a profound impact on mood and concentration. Headphones must be worn to reap the benefits of binaural beats. One tone is played in one ear and another tone is played in the other ear

Whilst listening to the beats can take a little getting used to, there have been numerous studies that supported the proposed benefits. Including one study that showed anxiety levels could be reduced by up to half for people about to undergo surgery.

Some people even combine binaural beats with meditation

Deep Breathing

So simple, it seems stupid. Deep, rhythmic breathing can help to activate the parasympathetic nervous system which in turn, lowers blood pressure and reduces levels of anxiety. The “4-7-8 breathing technique”, involves taking in a deep breath for 4 seconds, then holding the breath for 7 seconds, before breathing out for 8 seconds. This can be quite difficult to accomplish at first – especially trying to make your exhalation last the full 8 seconds. However, if you can incorporate ‘belly breathing’ also known as Diaphragmatic breathing – it can make it easier and more effective. For full instructions on diaphragmatic breathing, please see this article by healthline.

Do not attempt any of these breathing techniques whilst driving or operating machinery, as they could make you light headed.