The day-to-day routine of REALTORS® might always be in flux. During times of economic uncertainty, there might be less business, which could crimp or even cripple a REALTOR’s financial welfare. The business doesn’t adhere to the typical nine-to-five norm, and the odd hours can be its own unique stress point.

As the housing market is still seeing booming prices and lower inventory, sellers might be extremely happy. Buyers, though, might be unable to find their dream home and might be priced out when they do find it. REALTORS might be feeling overwhelmed. Here’s how REALTORS can decrease stress.

Don’t Neglect Yearly Physicals

During times of stress or work overload, an individual might go into survival mode. They might simply push through what’s ahead of them. That self-discipline is admirable, but it also could be problematic if pushing through means ignoring or neglecting health and healthy habits.

Take time to schedule normal check-ups and wellness visits with doctors. Work is important, but so is ensuring that the body is healthy. Opt for a yearly physical to make sure all those vitals are in order. Schedule wellness visits for regular tests like mammograms, colon cancer screenings, etc.

Staying on top of physical wellness can help catch small problems before they become bigger problems. Checking in with doctors also can give individuals the opportunity to discuss any concerns. Before a yearly visit, write down any questions or concerns beforehand.

Set a Bedtime

The majority of Americans don’t get enough sleep each night. Adults need between seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Tackling a tough day becomes more of a struggle when sleep deprived.

For adults, it might be tough to wind down for sleep each night. REALTORS work unique hours, and it’s possible that showings or home tours can extend into the night. After a busy day, most individuals just want to decompress by watching television, playing on a phone or device or reading.

Zoning out is relaxing. Unfortunately, if the preferred way to relax is to use screens before bed, sleep can be impacted. The blue light emitted from screens (including televisions) can interfere with the body’s circadian rhythm. Staring at screens might lead to the body having a more difficult time falling asleep.

Experts recommend shutting off those screens at least a half-hour before bed. Instead of looking at a screen or scrolling through social media, read a book or write in a journal.

Another bad habit that might be impacting the sleep of the busy REALTOR is caffeine consumption. Sipping on coffee too late in the day can interfere with falling asleep. Some experts recommend cutting the caffeine up to eight hours before bed.

To clock enough sleep at night, REALTORS also can set a bedtime. This isn’t just a tradition or routine for children; setting a bedtime can help prepare the body for sleep. A bedtime doesn’t mean the exact time the body falls asleep. Instead, this can be the time to prepare for bed. Write in a journal, read a book, or listen to calming music.

Embrace Meditation and Mindfulness

Meditation can help the mind and body relax, which, in turn, can help with stress. Everyone can meditate, and there isn’t a right or wrong technique. Sit quietly and focus on the breath. Listen to calming music.

Some people make meditation a routine part of their day. Meditate in the morning, at night or whenever the stress is becoming too much.

Mindfulness is all about living in the moment. When taking a walk, look around at nature. Take in what is around. When hanging out with children, pay attention to the moment. Try to be present. For so many individuals, it can be very difficult to turn off the loudness of the mind.

Take a Holiday and a Day Off

Weekends are busy for REALTORS. On Sunday, it’s common to hold an open house, and Saturdays can be a busy time for showings, too. Some REALTORS can feel as though there isn’t any time for a day off.

Carving out one day a week for a day off, though, might be crucial to ensuring that an individual doesn’t burnout. No one can go, go, go everyday all day without feeling the effects.

While some weeks might be so busy that it’s impossible to take a day off, opt to schedule a day when there is time. Holidays, too, are important. While many REALTORS might find themselves busy on major holidays, it is important to create work and personal time boundaries.

Don’t Be Afraid to Delegate

Sometimes the workload is just too much. Maybe there is just a buyer overload. Perhaps a REALTOR is trying to handle their own marketing designs and other business endeavors while working with buyers and sellers.

When help is needed, reach out. If there are too many balls in the air, and it’s become impossible to juggle them all, it’s ok—and even healthy—to pass one to someone else. Don’t be afraid to delegate.

Understand Work and Home Boundaries

Taking time off is important, living in the moment is important, but so is being present at home. This is an area in which many struggle, and it can be especially difficult for REALTORS. Calls can come in at any time. Sometimes it feels as though the home/work boundaries are very blurry.

When out with a spouse, a loved one, or a child, it’s ok to sometimes let a call go to voicemail. While, understandably, REALTORS can’t always opt to just ignore a call, there are moments when the moment is more important.

Bask In the Slow Times

Yes, the slow times of the selling/buying season can mean financial tribulations for some REALTORS. However, for others, the slow season is the time for taking a vacation with the family and enjoying some down time.

Enjoy the downtime! The busy season will be back, and when the calls rush in and the market heats up, REALTORS will find themselves loaded up with work yet again.

The slow winter season can be difficult, and, for some REALTORS, it could seem dismal. However, this also could be the ideal time to work on new marketing endeavors or to focus on other aspects of the business.

Offer Help, Too

There could be moments when a REALTOR doesn’t have much on their plate, and is in a place to offer help to others. If another REALTOR is having a difficult time, if they seem stressed and overloaded, offer help. Maybe they won’t take it. Maybe they will.

Times are interesting in the real estate market, and REALTORS are in a unique situation. Buyers are looking for homes that are flying off the market in a blink. Some might not be able to afford the home they want, and they might not be able to compete in such a competitive environment. Sellers, though, might be on the winning end.

REALTORS might be dealing with working with buyers who need to compete in a very tough race for the best home. The stress isn’t just on buyers; REALTORS might be feeling the heat, too. The job of a REALTOR isn’t focused on nine-to-five, and buyers and sellers could call at any time. Stress could be overwhelming.

Times of stress should focus on health (including maintaining those doctor appointments), finding ways to relax (meditation), getting enough rest and reaching out to others if help is needed. Of course, REALTORS also can reach out to others who might be struggling.

For REALTORS who are dealing with more stress than they can handle, a professional can help. Don’t ever be afraid or embarrassed to reach out to a medical health professional like a therapist to seek help.