Relaxation is a vital part of our mental and physical health.  We all strive for success but in order to do that sometimes we need to stop... and relax.  The real estate business is very stressful, as we all know well, but sometimes in order best succeed and reach the top we need to rest and regain strength. 

Take Mountain Climbing for example--  You cannot climb Mount Everest in one day-you must first trek from Lukla to the Base Camp at 17,600 ft.  Then scale the Kumbu Icefall up to 19,500 ft where you will rest at the First Camp in the Valley of Silence.  Then you will push yourself to camp 2 at 21,300 ft.  You will find yourself scaling the Lhotse Face to climb to Camp 3 located at 23,500 Ft.  There you will rest and acclimate for your trek to Camp IV which is located at 26,300 ft.  After plenty of rest and waiting for the perfect weather conditions you will make it to the 29,028 foot summit-the highest point on earth.

But what is an essential part of reaching the top of Mount Everest?   Plenty of rest and relaxation.

Here are some tips to help you relax so you can then succeed:

Relaxation Techniques- This site has a several different relaxation techniques that you can do anywhere!  An important part of relaxation is remember not to force yourself to relax, just let it happen. 

Use your Imagination-  Caught up in crazy negotiations and need a quick way to relax?  Let your imagination do the work.  Take a moment to close your eyes and picture someplace relaxing.  On a beach in Mexico?  Be sure to include every detail as if you were actually there-  the breeze blowing from the ocean, the birds squawking, the waves splashing a few feet away, etc.  An instant pick-me up!

Exercise- We all know exercise releases endorphins which then causes your body to relax and make you happier.   Certain days of the week I take the time to wake up early and fit in a 5 AM exercise, although it sounds like it would make for a long day-it actually gives me more peace throughout the day and easier to sleep at night!  Fit in at least 20 minutes a day of moderate exercise (watch a exercise video at home, ride a bike, walk your dogs, etc).  You will find you encounter much less stress throughout the day.

Meditation-  In meditation you try to remove all thoughts and emotions other than your controlled breathing from your mind.  It can be extremely difficult for some but the effects are rewarding.  Try out this site on How to Meditate and the Benefits.

The best approach to Relaxation?

Smile and Laugh-  Ever heard "Laughter is the best Medicine"?  Well, in terms of relaxation they are correct.  Turn on your favorite music and dance around, read some jokes and then share with your friends, smile at the stranger walking by, go to the theater or rent a funny movie.  As Fellow Active Rainer Gary Woltal said, "Life is Good, Pass it On". 

""Show me a worrying person and I will show you
a person whodoes not know how to relax." - Albert E. Cliffe

What do you do to Relax?