If you turned on the TV or looked at your news feed this morning you saw the shocking news out of Las Vegas. Another mass murder incident. The world seems to have come unglued and the constant barrage of Breaking News only adds to our levels of stress. Property Management is a stressful industry…just look at Houston and Florida and the housing recovery is going to take some time.
So how can we stay sane when the world around us seems to be spinning out of control?
Focus on the Positive
Yes, there are bad things happening in the world and we can show compassion and empathize but don’t get caught up in the emotion of the situation. Focus on the positive things in your life, at work and in the community. We often forget there is more good in the world than bad it is just the bad makes the evening news.
Be Intentional
It is ok to be in the know but it is also healthy to tune out. I know for a number of years I stopped watching the news all together and I was happier. It didn’t mean I didn’t care about what was happening in the world but much of it was out of my control so it was wasted energy if there was nothing I could do to change the situation. Be intentional about what you watch and listen to on a daily basis.
Keep Perspective
Remind yourself that in the big scheme of things that “emergency” maintenance request will get done. It isn’t the end of the world.
Use Systems
Every office should have systems to keep the repetitive tasks running smoothly with little effort or energy spent. They help organize your office, staff, work flow and keep you out of legal trouble especially with Fair Housing since you will be treating everything and everyone the same. Consistency is the key to productivity, minimizing risk, and creating a great customer experience. Landlord Source is all about systems so check out our products.
Take a Breath
I know this sounds over simplistic but when your buttons are being pushed, and remember YOU are ALLOWING someone to push your buttons, your blood pressure goes up, and your body is flooded with cortisol.
According to Psychology Today, “The stress hormone, cortisol, is public health enemy number one. Scientists have known for years that elevated cortisol levels: interfere with learning and memory, lower immune function and bone density, increase weight gain, blood pressure, cholesterol, heart disease…”
So take a deep breath. Count to four while inhaling, hold your breath for the count of four and exhale while counting to four. Do this four times and you will lower your cortisol hormone level and decrease the stress and the negative impact it has upon your body and mind.
Kathleen Richards, is the owner of LandlordSource and The Property Management Coach. She authored Property Management A-Z and teaches regularly at community colleges and conferences on property management topics. She is active in her field and holds professional designations as Master Property Manager (MPM®) and Residential Management Professional (RMP®) from NARPM®. Kathleen has served at the local and state level on the boards for NARPM® (National Association of Residential Property Managers).
Disclaimer: LandlordSource does not represent the article content in this website as legal advice. It is shared information only and up to the reader to use this information responsibly, seeking legal advice as necessary to their business.
