“The real estate communityhas suffered much more than financial loss since the financial crisis of 2008. This economic downturn was largely fueled by a complete breakdown in the housing market after years of almost frenetic activity that brought incredible profits to many people. Realtor stress in the struggle to survive has cost many their jobs, their health and even their lives. Realtor suicides have shot up so high that this job was recently found near the top of a list of most stressful jobs, along with that of a surgeon and an airplane pilot.
If you are a realtor, then you should watch for certain warning signs in order to ensure that you receive the help you need to avoid the tragedies of which the real estate community has already seen too much.
- Irritability that is out of proportion to the present situation. This is hard to note when you are in the moment, but later reflection may tell you that there is a problem.
- Frequent illnesses. When you seem unusually susceptible to minor illnesses, such as bouts of cold and flu, then this may be your body telling you that your stress level is too high.
- Concentration issues. If you cannot focus on things or remember things in the way in which you are accustomed, the distraction may be caused by your heightened concerns about your job.
- Depression
- Sleeplessness
- Alcohol and drug abuse
Knowing what the signs of high stress are does not help you deal with them. There is no way to eliminate the stress that today’s economic environment places on the shoulders of realtors. It is possible to take a few steps which can manage the stress at tolerable levels.
Determine exactly what triggers your most serious bouts of anxiety and stress. It may be seeing certain people or reading certain pieces of information that causes you to come unraveled.
Eliminate those stress factors that are most troublesome or find ways to encounter them less often. If you cannot reasonably avoid certain people or certain parts of your job, then find ways to encounter them less often.
Diet and exercise. It sounds trite but it is true. What you eat and how much physical activity you experience every day has a big impact on your ability to deal with stress.
Take small vacations during the day. Give yourself thirty minutes or an hour to indulge a favorite pastime or hobby.”