This May marks Inman’s sixth annual Agent Appreciation Month. Look for profiles of top producers, opinions on the current state of the industry and tangible takeaways you can implement in your career today. Plus, the prestigious Future Leaders of Real Estate return this month, too.
As we move through spring, a season synonymous with renewal and transformation, it’s the perfect time to pause and evaluate how we are caring for ourselves, mind, body and soul. For many of us, spring is not just a change in season but can be an invitation to slow down, reset and realign.
Especially in a city like New York, where life rarely pauses, it becomes imperative to consciously carve out moments that support our mental well-being.
As real estate professionals, our days are filled with navigating complexity — balancing market data, advocating for clients and building and maintaining relationships. It’s exhilarating but can easily become overwhelming if not intentionally managed.
Over the years, I’ve refined my strategies to maintain clarity, focus and calm, even amid the most fast-paced global environments. These strategies aren’t just for professionals in high-stakes industries — they’re for anyone who wants to show up as their best self.
Here are five thoughtful ways to reduce stress this spring and emerge renewed, grounded and ready to thrive.
1. Reclaim your morning routine
Spring’s longer daylight hours offer a beautiful opportunity to reframe how we start our days. Rather than diving headfirst into email or social media, create a morning ritual that grounds you.
Whether it’s five minutes of journaling, 10 minutes of mindful stretching or sipping tea while watching the light shift through your windows, starting your day with intention sets the tone for everything that follows.
Some of my key personal practices?
- Sitting with my dog
- Watching the sun rise through my windows with a cup of tea
- Reading the newspapers
- A quick meditation
- Reviewing my top three priorities for the day — not the full to-do list, just three
- A morning workout
These elements help me stay anchored and strategic, rather than reactive.
2. Engage in a digital declutter
We often talk about spring cleaning our closets or homes, but what about our digital spaces? Constant notifications, unread messages and endless tabs can create subtle (but significant) stress.
Consider a digital detox or at least a digital decluttering. Years ago, after an incredible keynote at Inman Connect from Ariana Huffington, I set out to minimize notifications; I still haven’t managed the endless tabs, however.
Unsubscribe from newsletters that no longer serve you, archive old conversations and reevaluate your screen time. Ask yourself: “Is this app or platform energizing me or draining me?” Reclaiming control over your digital landscape can make a tremendous difference in your mental clarity.
Protip: Turn off non-essential notifications. You’d be amazed how much calmer your day feels when your phone isn’t constantly buzzing. Give yourself permission to be present — whether that’s in a meeting, on a walk or enjoying a quiet moment with your thoughts.
3. Get outside — even briefly
You don’t need to escape to the countryside to reap the benefits of nature. Even in the heart of Manhattan or the quieter corners of Brooklyn, a simple walk around the block, sitting near a patch of greenery or pausing to look up at the sky can act as a powerful mental reset.
What’s fascinating — and backed by science — is how this simple act impacts our neurochemistry. Natural light, movement and fresh air stimulate the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter closely tied to motivation, focus and mood. When dopamine levels are balanced, we feel more energized and capable. When they’re low, even small tasks can feel overwhelming.
As someone who often finds herself toggling between complex negotiations and high-stakes decisions, I’ve learned that taking even five to 10 minutes to step outside isn’t a luxury — it’s a strategic tool. I am a huge fan of taking “moments” in my day whenever possible (I can most often be found either in Central Park or walking with my dog during most of my “moments”).
Consider this your invitation to step outside, not just for your body but for your brain. Dopamine is part of what fuels our ability to problem-solve, to stay hopeful and to keep moving forward. It’s one of the quiet forces behind our resilience.
4. Reevaluate what ‘success’ looks like
One of the hidden sources of stress is the pressure we put on ourselves to meet outdated or misaligned definitions of success. Spring is a perfect time to reassess: What are you chasing? Is it aligned with your current values?
This doesn’t require a complete life overhaul, but it does invite you to edit. Just like we refresh our wardrobes or our homes for the season, we can refresh our goals, commitments and boundaries. Personally, I aim to revisit my goals each quarter — not just professionally, but personally and emotionally. It’s a habit that keeps me aligned with what truly matters.
Comparison is the thief of joy, and today, with the never-ending feed of social posts, it’s easy to be inspired or to be constantly demoralized. Be mindful about what you choose to consume and when.
5. Connect authentically and intentionally
In both life and business, time and our relationships are our most valuable currencies, yet when we’re stressed, we often isolate. This spring, prioritize reconnection. That doesn’t mean attending every event or saying yes to every invite. It means reaching out to people who nourish you — professionally and personally — and creating space for meaningful conversations.
Whether it’s tea and a stroll with a longtime friend, a Zoom with a global referral partner or a quick check-in with a mentor, intentional connection has the power to reduce stress, and increase our sense of support and belonging.
It has been my experience and observation across my career that the most resilient professionals are those who don’t go it alone. They cultivate their community and lean on their networks — not just for business, but for perspective, encouragement and collaboration.
Spring reminds us that growth often comes after a season of stillness. It’s a chance to plant new seeds, but also to pull the weeds — those habits, patterns, people or obligations that no longer serve us.
As a trusted advisor, I believe in a holistic approach — one that considers the human behind the transaction, the heart behind the strategy. Whether you’re navigating a move, a career transition or simply feeling overwhelmed by the pace of life, these small but powerful shifts can create the space you need to breathe, to focus, and to flourish.
Let this season be your reminder: You don’t have to do more — you just have to do what matters, more mindfully.
Nikki Beauchamp is an advisor with Sotheby’s International Realty in New York City. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
