GEORGIA 4-17-23

GEORGIA EDITION

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THINGS THE BEST LEADERS NEVER SAY

BUSINESS GROWTH HACK: ABSORB YOUR CLIENT'S STRESS!

FEATURED AGENTS

JENNIFER CAMP LAURINDA MASON WHAT THE FIRST THING YOU DO AFTER WORK SAYS ABOUT YOU

SMALL YARD? BIG STATEMENT: HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF MICRO OUTDOOR SPACES

COVER STORY

JEN NEWMAN

GEORGIA EDITION

JENNIFER CAMP LAURINDA MASON

actively tries to help them and su senting homebuyers andMason sell- of Macon, Georgia, Laurinda neighborh 7 16 20 ® organizations who provide fundin roughout Georgia, REALTOR has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the real myself – housing for all public service pers er Camp has earned a reputaestate industry by combining her penI moved t “First-time homebuyers, single p or top-notch communication and chant for spatial visualization with I’m fortun and veterans have a special place essional attitude while keeping a dedication to active listening and many diff heart as there is something special ients in the driver’s seat of the empathy.

“I who want to know everything const helping them buy their “and first home state process. With a family aboutshe how my up clients want to live their make new says. Additionally, she volunteers d in construction, grew ideal and lives.

Do they see themselves communit church, participates in food drives substandard means always JEN JEN NEWMAN NEWMAN JENNIFER CAMP LAURINDA MASON gardening?

Do they want their own mate.”

He donates to various causes, includin e interest in helping others. Years cer research. library? Do sonal conn when she was pregnant withthey her like to be an amateur chef?a Then helped La aughter, she wanted careerI’ll thatspend some time phoWith four children, Jennifer her toshopping houses, letting far has reachin allow her more flexibility, different self full at home. Whether attions, sportsand gam CONTENTS h, and financial stability.

Realto make their them see how dreams dance practice, she is their numbe came to mind.aShe got licensed reality – it’s all about communicaskillset to cheerleader.

“When I’m not wo BUSINESS GROWTH 17) than SMALL BIG pathways. In mmediately4)started all the tion taking and compassion.

It’s so much more just aYARD? ownership you can either TO find MAKE me at church or HACK: ABSORB YOUR STATEMENT: s and studying everything she house, andthat when clients send me pictures of their kids HOW eral MLS’s, she also cre baseball field,” she explains.

CLIENT'S STRESS! THE MOST OUT OF MICRO about the industry.

Now, seven playing in the rooms they’ve designed, it just makes to post on social media a OUTDOOR SPACES later, she workseverything as an independent agent serving worthwhile.” tours to Jennifer help mark Looking to the future ofvirtual her business, is 14) 9 THINGS ral counties of Spalding, Pike, and Lamar. ing 21) to start a teamTHE so that she can continue to e THE BEST LEADERS WHAT FIRST For Laurinda, real estate is as much an inheritance as While impossible m her THING businessYOU and eventually open her own to office NEVER DO AFTER eran of the Army, SAY Jennifer now counts around it is a vocation. “My mother is a broker in Virginia,” concentrates global would also like to dive more YOU into theher investmen WORK SAYS ABOUT of her real estate business as coming from vets. recalls. moved quiteofa real bit while She year, period estate Iinwas the nextcommunity. few years. Last Je her half is fromshe people within“Iher spherearound of influmillion inrepair sales, and a number that hom she growing I wanted to makecompleted a career$7 change decorate past clients, referrals andup, newand clients who seek to continue to grow while her clients fi that310-734-1440 would allow| Fax meof toworking flexibly control my schedule sideputting the Regan Kay Rea r services. From very beginning Phonethe 310-734-1440 how happy real makes everyone.

Th and grow my business.

I had plentylove of experiences to estate donates to local charitie ennifer, she mag@topagentmagazine.com outlines the entire process from start | www.topagentmagazine.com nogiving greateritjoy than seeing clients turn adona hous build of, soofI her decided it was a shot.” age,myshe privately sh and listens to theoff needs clients.

Sheworth No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. Top Agent Magazine their home.” is published Feature Publications GA, years Inc. Although precautions are taken toan ensure the accuracy ofthey published materials, ntly communicates via text, and reguJust byone and aemails, half after becoming official cook forTopfamilies in

Magazine cannot ® responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. one calls toAgent maintain clearbeunderstanding of all REALTOR , held Laurinda ismag@topagentmagazine.com. already celebrating nearly To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to Published inmillion themarketing U.S. in collective . When it comes her listings, she as an agent with the As her impact grows, $8 to volume ds on Facebook Regan for two Kay weeksReal targeting entire with Keller Williams to growing her own team EstatetheGroup She also uses Tiktok for home tours,Skinner shares Team). the is locally source (formerly the Regan They cover a wide recruit 2 Top Agent Magazine pictures on Instagram and hosts open houses with swathe of geographic territory which includes Macon, joined me in real estate – of goodies to get clients and agents in the door.

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Business Growth Hack: Absorb Your Clients’ Stress!

Your business coach or a CRM software sales rep has probably described a number of products or services to help you grow your business. But sometimes the easiest way to increase the deals you’re closing is to simply be present for your clients. In doing so, you’ll find have the power to decrease the stress they feel. And when you decrease their stress, you increase your value to them, leading to new referrals and organic growth.

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You may be thinking, “I have enough stress; how can I find the emotional bandwidth for other people’s stress?” But consider this: As their day-to-day point of contact in this life decision, you are already a strong presence in your client’s lives. Why not allow yourself to be the only seemingly calm part of this process? By asking them what’s on their mind, by truly listening, by showing that you truly understand and even by rolling up

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your sleeves to relieve some of their grunt work, you’ll prove yourself invaluable.

Think of yourself as the equivalent of an anti-anxiety pill to your clients. All you have to do is form a few easy habits.

Laura and Raj, their agent and their loan officer soon came to learn that Laura’s 80-year-old mother may eventually move in with the family. This news not only helped the agent best meet Laura’s and Raj’s needs for a new home; it gave both the agent and the loan officer opportunities to go above and beyond for their clients. Their REALTOR® connected Laura with a senior services nonprofit near Laura’s mom’s current home that may be able to assist the family.

And their loan officer outlined various, detailed options to Laura and Raj make smart, long-term financial decisions.

Meanwhile, the agent and loan officer earned the trust of Laura and Raj, who felt less worried about the future.

Listen – really listen – with patience Behind every home purchase or sale is a person or a family with a uniquely complex set of needs, motivations, objectives and priorities. Asking the right questions and truly listening to the answers are the easiest ways to learn how to make clients’ lives easier. In doing so, you not only show that you’re interested in them as people, but you help yourself discover ways to surprise your clients with service.

Take “Laura and Raj,” for instance – a couple in their 30s who wanted a larger home because their family of five outgrew their first home. By patiently getting to know Top Agent Magazine

Empathize Don’t be afraid to describe your own personal experiences as a homebuyer or seller, explaining how you felt at the time; let your client know you “get” it. The agent who is willing to open up and let buyers and

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sellers know that they personally understand their needs and concerns will connect with clients quickly, break down barriers and help the process move smoothly.

Chayan Alavi, Broker/Owner of Alavi Agency in Long Beach, California, challenges himself and his team to ensure that every action of every day serves others. “If we can put ourselves in other people’s shoes with empathy, then we become stellar professionals and great human beings, too,” he says. “I like knowing that we remove the sales pitch from real estate and make it all about the customer.” Chayan and his team focus on customer advocacy and building trust. But they don’t take trust for granted.

Instead, they know trust must be earned and nurtured over time.

Roll up your sleeves “You can’t be afraid to do anything!” says Matthew Todd of d’aprile properties in the Chicago area. “People know there’s nothing I won’t do to get the job done.” He has 6

mowed clients’ lawns, walked dogs and personally cleaned someone’s 8,000-squarefoot, $2 million home for a showing one day after his seller left the house. Two days before another closing, Matthew’s client was unable to move large amounts of unneeded furniture out of the house he sold. No problem! Matthew joined or created five online garage sales; sold or gave away most of the client’s belongings and had the remainder hauled away before cleaning in time for the closing. “The first time I sit with a seller on listing presentation or the first day I take someone on a buyer’s tour, they know I’m ‘all-in.’”

Meanwhile, in the Cincinnati area, Aaron Denton of Summit Funding considers himself and his team members to be concierges for their borrowers. “We’re like personal assistants,” says Aaron. “People are happier when you remove the stress.” Included in their standard services are researching moving quotes; arranging and organizing movein day; scheduling utility transfers; assisting with children’s school registration paperwork; and even connecting buyers with local resources like daycares.

If “rolling up your sleeves” isn’t your strongest skill, then an easy alternative is to get to know professionals in your area who can do these tasks for you. In the end, remember that by listening with patience, empathizing, and being willing to go the extra mile, you have the power to remove the stress your clients would experience without your help.

When clients feel cared for, they remember the agents and partners who helped them.

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JEN NEWMAN

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Top Agent Jen Newman with Keller Williams Realty Metro Atlanta, assists clients throughout Avondale Estates and the surrounding areas.

A 20 year resident of Avondale Estates, Jen Newman has always possessed an entrepreneurial spirit.

After working as a project manager for the 1996 Olympic Games, she went on to build a successful career in sales, starting a floral design business, owning a retail folk art store in Decatur, and creating her own children’s clothing line. Taking an interest in real estate, she was later drawn to the client-first approach at Keller Williams Realty Metro Atlanta, which inspired her to launch her career as an agent and start Jen Newman Homes in 2015. Leveraging her elite business acumen, she went on to establish a network of satisfied clients that spans the region.

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Today, Jen is a REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty Metro Atlanta, where she assists clients throughout Avondale Estates and the surrounding areas. There, she has cultivated a distinct process to meet the needs of any buyer or seller.

When listing a property, Jen takes a comprehensive approach. After helping her clients fully prepare their home for the market, she collaborates with her expert social media coordinator to broadcast each listing via a highly targeted blend of digital campaigns. Meanwhile, she also utilizes grassroots resources like agent caravans, open houses, and her Top Agent Magazine

own robust sphere of influence to give each client an added advantage, ensuring a seamless transaction throughout.

Elsewhere, Jen is just as attentive when assisting her buyers, carefully guiding them to the right investment for their best interests. In fact, she enjoys keeping in touch long after the deals are done through regular check-ins, monthly market updates, yearly client appreciation events, and even closing gifts from local businesses like her favorite, Garage Door Studio. More than anything, she loves

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welcoming newcomers to her historic Avondale community, the first Southern planned community, with its picturesque scenery and unique cottage lifestyle inspired by William Shakespeare’s hometown, Stratford-on-Avon.

Over the years, Jen has earned a fantastic reputation throughout Atlanta, with the entirety of her volume coming from repeat clients and referrals.

Having closed 32 transactions as a single agent in 2022 alone, she remains focused on the leading standards that set her apart. “While being as

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Over the years, Jen has earned a fantastic reputation throughout Atlanta, with the entirety of her volume coming from repeat clients and referrals. thorough as possible, I still believe in keeping things fun and lighthearted for my clients,” she says. “My buyers and sellers know I will always go the extra mile—whether I’m negotiating their transaction or helping them make well-informed decisions on their future.”

On top of keeping active with her church and her beloved Rosary Group, Jen is a sponsor of local schools, swim teams, and charitable causes including Egleston Children’s Hospital throughout the year. Family is at the heart of everything for Jen. “Giving Back” starts with her family because they Copyright Top Agent Magazine 10

are most important to her. As a single mom of two great kids, her focus is always on them and their futures. She believes in generosity as the most important form of giving back as well. She is always the first to say, “How can I help? How can I make your life easier?” As she knows, sometimes it’s just the little things that can brighten someone’s day.

When she’s not with clients, Jen can be found spending quality time with her children, caring for her three horses, attending Decatur’s numerous art festivals, or dining out at local hotspots like Top Agent Magazine

Santo Cantina, no. 246 or Siam Thai—enjoying all the dynamic culture and cuisine Atlanta has to offer.

lives, we can burn out. Riding really helps me achieve that balance.”

For Jen, horseback riding is a key aspect of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, as she takes every Wednesday afternoon off to ride. As a matter of fact, she makes her clients aware during their initial listing or buyer presentation that, should they call on Wednesday afternoons, she might be on horseback! “Tending to my horses is a great opportunity to clear my head and recharge for the week,” she says. “In my career, I’ve found that if we don’t take time to make time for what’s important in our

Having just joined Keller Williams Farm & Ranch as well, Jen intends on expanding her reach throughout the region while her volume maintains its steady growth. In the meantime, she looks forward to all the opportunities that await. “In real estate, no two days are the same,” she says. “Every client, house, or project is different. But more than anything, I love delivering outstanding customer service while providing genuine support to all my buyers and sellers.”

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To learn more about Jen Newman, call (404) 316-5265, email jennewman@kw.com or visit jennewmanhomes.com, on Facebook: facebook.com/jennewmanhomes1 https://www.instagram.com/jen_newman_homes/ or Instagram: jen_newman_homes www.

www.

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9

Things the Best Leaders Never Say

As Spider-Man’s Uncle Ben said, “With great power, comes great responsibility.”

Being the boss is a great thing, but there’s a reason the ‘bad boss’ is common stereotype. Some people tend to use their power in destructive ways and that isn’t good for anyone. You might not even know you’re being a bad boss, it can be subtle sometimes.

There are common traits among great leaders, if you want to be a boss that operates with integrity and is respected by everyone

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you work with, make sure you don’t say any of the following things.

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I’M THE BOSS

Stating a fact that should be obvious is always a sign of weakness, and when you are the boss, strength of leadership is THE key component.

It also may indicates a stubbornness that is the death knell of a healthy work environment.

Your job as a leader is to bring everyone to your level of success, not to create a larger rift.

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I’LL DO IT MYSELF

Being a good leader is all about delegation. If you are hiring people who are professional and trustworthy, then this should be a no brainer. It is your job as a leader to get the right people for the job and then lead them in away that means success for everyone.

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THAT WASN’T MY FAULT

There’s an old saying “The Buck Stops Here.” and that is still true today. Good leaders take responsibility for what happens. They don’t blame others or make excuses. They take the hit for the team and then find the solution to make it better. Not only does it show they have integrity, but it also fosters a warm team environment that makes all players feel like their boss has their back.

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I’M SORRY TO ASK YOU TO DO THIS

Treating your employees with respect is mandatory, at the same time there is no reason to be sorry when you ask people to do their job. Leadership is strength and confidence. Expecting your employees to put in the same work ethic as you is your job.

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I ALREADY KNOW THAT

Having a ‘know-it-all’ attitude isn’t pleasant coming from anyone, but the last thing you need to do as a boss is shut down the people working for you. If you give them the impression that you’ve thought of everything, why should they bother giving potentially valuable contributions?

Make people feel good about all input, even if you don’t think it will work or have already thought of it. Open flow of communication and ideas is key to a successful team.

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THAT’S NOT THE WAY WE DO IT HERE

Well, why not? Being a successful leader means always being open to change and improvement.

No great leader is ever accepting of the status quo. It’s not only lazy, it’s uninspiring and usually leads to a work environment that is stagnate. Yes, keep things that work going, but nothing should ever be untouchable. Creative thinking should never be faced with constant roadblocks. A good option is to always ask for more information. Let your employee show you why they think their way might be better. This gets them energized and excited to approach you with more in the future.

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I’M NOT HERE TO MAKE FRIENDS

This is a workplace, not a reality show competition.

Good leaders know that building strong workplace relationships, with employees, vendors and peers, is the foundation of a successful business

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DON’T BRING ME BAD NEWS

No true leader avoids bad news. They confront everything head on because as we said above, they know that ultimately everything is their responsibility, and ignoring a potential problem will most likely end up being worse down the road. Good leaders want to know bad news right away, and the last thing you want is to foster a work environment where employees feel like they have to lie to you.

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YOU JUST DON’T GET IT.

You’re the boss. If someone who works under you is having trouble understanding something, it’s on you to make it clear to them. Getting frustrated makes them less likely to ask for help in the future.

Sharing your expertise and experience is not only generous, but a necessary tool in the success of your business.

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JENNIFER CAMP Representing homebuyers and sellers throughout Georgia, REALTOR® Jennifer Camp has earned a reputation for top-notch communication and a professional attitude while keeping her clients in the driver’s seat of the real estate process. With a family who worked in construction, she grew up with substandard means and always had the interest in helping others. Years later, when she was pregnant with her last daughter, she wanted a career that would allow her more flexibility, self growth, and financial stability. Real estate came to mind. She got licensed and immediately started taking all the classes and studying everything that she could about the industry. Now, seven years later, she works as an independent agent serving the rural counties of Spalding, Pike, and Lamar.

A veteran of the Army, Jennifer now counts around 50% of her real estate business as coming from vets.

The other half is from people within her sphere of influence, past clients, referrals and new clients who seek out her services. From the very beginning of working with Jennifer, she outlines the entire process from start to finish and listens to the needs of her clients. She constantly communicates via text, emails, and regular phone calls to maintain clear understanding of all stages. When it comes to marketing her listings, she runs ads on Facebook for two weeks targeting the entire state. She also uses Tiktok for home tours, shares the home pictures on Instagram and hosts open houses with plenty of goodies to get clients and agents in the door.

She also allows her clients the complimentary usage of her 24-foot trailer for their pre-packing declutter and the moving process.

When she’s not working, Jennifer spends time supporting her community and her kid’s endeavors. As there is a high number of veterans who are homeless, she

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actively tries to help them and supports organizations who provide funding and housing for all public service personnel.

“First-time homebuyers, single parents and veterans have a special place in my heart as there is something special about helping them buy their first home,” she says. Additionally, she volunteers at her church, participates in food drives, and donates to various causes, including cancer research.

With four children, Jennifer has her hands full at home. Whether at sports games or dance practice, she is their number one cheerleader. “When I’m not working, you can either find me at church or on the baseball field,” she explains.

Looking to the future of her business, Jennifer is hoping to start a team so that she can continue to expand her business and eventually open her own office. She would also like to dive more into the investment side of real estate in the next few years. Last year, Jennifer completed $7 million in sales, a number that she wants to continue to grow while putting her clients first. “I love how happy real estate makes everyone. There is no greater joy than seeing my clients turn a house into their home.”

Contact Jennifer at 678-544-6782, email jennifercampsells@gmail.com or visit jennifercampsellsga.com http://

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Small Yard? Big Statement: How to Make the Most Out of Micro Outdoor Spaces When house-hunters compile their lists of musthave home items, a dreamy backyard space is often near the top. After all, who doesn’t want an outdoor oasis of their very own? From summer barbecues to open space for your dog to frolic— everyone has their own aspirations when it comes to creating the perfect backyard paradise. But as homebuyers seek properties deeper within city limits, and Millennials opt for properties with Top Agent Magazine

urban amenities and access, home-connected outdoor spaces are becoming a bit smaller in stature.

Of course, size isn’t everything when it comes to outdoor space. Even balconies, rear patios, and ultra-tiny yards can provide homebuyers with the outdoor reprieve they crave—even on a smaller scale. For a few ideas that can help you envision all the possibilities of a micro outdoor space, read on for inspiration.

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Think vertically.

When space is at a premium, think up instead of out. In other words, make the most of small spaces by capitalizing on your backyard, balcony, or patio’s overhead height. Mood-setting string lights, hanging pocket or wall gardens, floating shelves, and modern overhead hangings can create a sense of privacy and luxury without cluttering the square footage on the ground.

Soothing sounds set the mood.

Upgrade the look of structural components.

Not in love with your patio pavers? Don’t have the sweetest view off your balcony? Whatever your small backyard living space gripe may be, there’s always a solution if you go back to the basics. Consider the structural components of your outdoor space that you aren’t in love with and there’s likely an affordable, eye-pleasing solution. For instance, plenty of home goods 18

retailers make a variety of punchy or luxe outdoor rugs that can disguise stained or lackluster outdoor flooring. Power-washing is another great solution for old grime and dirt that’s an eyesore. Don’t have a great view? Planting ivy on bare walls, installing adjustable mood lighting, or hanging planters can create a more inviting ambiance.

While there may not be room for a swimming pool or pond in a micro yard or balcony, you can still bring the calming presence of water to your outdoor oasis. Fountains run the gamut in sizing and price, making this amenity an easy acquisition. What’s more, a running fountain not only adds a soothing sound to your space, but it also helps drown out noise from the street or the neighbors—making your space entirely your own and stress-free.

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Don’t compromise on your culinary dreams.

If you love to entertain in outdoor spaces or relish the chance to man the grill—small outdoor spaces don’t have to trip you up. Grill options (both propane and charcoal) come in a range of sizes, many of which can be outfitted securely to balcony posts or be tucked away and out of sight when out of use. Consider nesting tables or those with a removable leaf to adjust your seating and dining options depending on company.

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Another trick? A small, oscillating fan can keep air flow moving in a small space during grill season—and can be easily affixed to walls or posts, as well.

Don’t let yourself or clients be discouraged by spaces with more limited square footage in outdoor areas. Furniture and design trends have already begun shifting toward providing better small-space options, and at the end of the day, a backyard space is all about providing an area for relaxation. With a few well-placed, strategic choices, you can still have it all.

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LAURINDA MASON Laurinda Mason of Macon, Georgia, has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the real estate industry by combining her penchant for spatial visualization with a dedication to active listening and empathy. “I want to know everything about how my clients want to live their ideal lives. Do they see themselves gardening? Do they want their own library? Do they like to be an amateur chef? Then I’ll spend some time photoshopping different houses, letting them see how to make their dreams a reality – it’s all about communication and compassion. It’s so much more than just a house, and when clients send me pictures of their kids playing in the rooms they’ve designed, it just makes everything worthwhile.”

neighborhoods. “I’m from out-of-state myself – I was born in California, but I moved to Virginia and then Georgia.

I’m fortunate to have experienced so many different cultures,” she exudes, “and constantly having to adjust to try to make new friends or get used to a new community lets me help people acclimate.” Her professional and interpersonal connections across the nation has helped Laurinda build a business with a far reaching impact that spurs her ambitions, and she leverages a robust digital skillset to help her support virtual homeownership pathways. In addition to marketing on several MLS’s, she also creates and distributes ZipFlyers to post on social media alongside professionally filmed virtual tours to help market her listings.

For Laurinda, real estate is as much an inheritance as it is a vocation. “My mother is a broker in Virginia,” she recalls. “I moved around quite a bit while I was growing up, and I wanted to make a career change that would allow me to flexibly control my schedule and grow my business. I had plenty of experiences to build off of, so I decided it was worth giving it a shot.”

Just one and a half years after becoming an official REALTOR®, Laurinda is already celebrating nearly $8 million in collective volume as an agent with the Regan Kay Real Estate Group with Keller Williams (formerly the Regan Skinner Team). They cover a wide swathe of geographic territory which includes Macon, Hancock, Putnam, and Jones Counties.

While impossible to measure statistically, Laurinda concentrates her global endeavors within her local community. She periodically rolls up her sleeves to repair and decorate homes for her clients, and alongside the Regan Kay Real Estate Group, she regularly donates to local charities. Independent of her brokerage, she privately donates to an organization where they cook for families in need.

As her book of business grows across Georgia, Laurinda finds herself building on the experiences of a frequent transplant to connect people with their ideal

As her impact grows, Laurinda is looking forward to growing her own team of colleagues, and her first recruit is locally sourced! “My husband has already joined me in real estate – he saw how much I enjoyed it, and we’re excited to grow the business together as a couple.” When she isn’t busy growing her enterprise or supporting her local community, Laurinda enjoys “being outside, hiking, rock climbing – anything that gets me outdoors and in nature!”

For more information about Laurinda Mason, please visit laurindamason.kw.com, email laurindamason@gmail.com, or call 478-342-4185. www.

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What the First Thing You Do After Work Says About You We all have our routines. From that morning cup of coffee to a jog at the gym, it’s common to establish touchstones for our daily lives.

But have you ever considered what these habits tell us about ourselves? Our actions reveal much about our motivations and emotional life, so taking a second look at your first move at the end of the day can be telling.

With that in mind, see how you fare when it comes to post-workday habits...

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Break a Sweat After a long day of work, is your first instinct to strap on your sneakers and take off on a run? Do you stop off at the local yoga studio for an extended stretch? Maybe you head to the weight room to pump some iron. Whatever your exercise pick, if you’re inclined to sweat it out at the end of a long day, you’re likely a routine-oriented profes-

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sional who internalizes work-related stress. Of course, you’ve chosen a healthy release for all that pent-up tension, and you’ve discovered the power of endorphins. Once work hours are over, not everyone finds the motivation to stay active. This means you’re driven by routine, conscious of your emotional and physical health, and prefer to leave your cares at the gym, rather than bring them into your home oasis. However, it’s important to give your body a rest now and again, as recuperation time is not only beneficial for physical health, but can help prevent burnout for the long haul.

Flexibility is a skill, and one just as important to cultivate as rigid commitment. If you find yourself out of sorts if you miss just one day of working out, you might want to pay some attention to your routines and motivations, and rebalance your commitments and fitness routine accordingly.

Round-the-Clock Hustle If you’re the type to bring work home with you, you aren’t alone. While your motivation to work nonstop is admirable, it’s also important to make the mental transition from workplace to home, establishing the time to hustle and the time to relax. Just like those that hit the gym without fail after a long day, sometimes you’ll need to practice saying no. If your work life is indistinguishable from your personal life, it’ll be hard to catch a break and recharge.

This means burnout, frayed nerves, and missed details will soon be on the horizon. Of course, round-the-clock hustle is a strength, too. You’re passionate about your work, care deeply about doing things right, and failure is not an option.

Just make sure that you establish some foundational boundaries so that you maintain an 22

appropriate, healthy balance between your time at work and your time at home with the loved ones and hobbies you cherish. If making way for downtime isn’t easy, try penciling it in the way you would a work engagement. Dinner with a friend, a date night with a significant other, or a solo movie fest can be readily added to your calendar, and thus built in to your regimented schedule.

Turn to Food If your first instinct after work is to eat, it can say a few different things about your routine.

Perhaps you’ve been so on-the-go all the day that you haven’t had time for lunch. In this case, you might need to regiment your schedule with more purpose aimed towards downtime and self-care; food is fuel, after all. If you head home and gorge after an average day, you may be turning to food as a way to relieve stress.

In this case, you may need to reassess some of your post-work habits and find a healthier balance and outlet for your tension. Taking a walk, grabbing fresh ingredients for dinner, hitting the gym, or decompressing by catching up with a friend or a good book—all are healthier, more balanced ways of executing the transition from the office to the home. Pay attention to your consumption post-work. Determine how hungry or satiated you really are before making a grab for the nearest sustenance.

People decompress in all different ways after getting home from the office, but always remember that routines are telling. Don’t take your daily actions and impulses for granted. Examine the root behind your well-worn practices, and you may detect nuances at play beneath the surface that can you help you recalibrate for the better.

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Laughs!

Graham Harrop Graham Harrop Cartoons Cartoons

Putting the power of humour to work for you!

Putting the power of humour to work for you! grahamharrop.com

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