Tips for Healthy Phone Use
Being on the phone all day is a necessary part of the real estate process. While it may lead to some new clients, it can also lead to hand cramps and tired necks. Here are a few tips for taking care of yourself throughout a day of being on the phone.
Try using the speaker phone function or use earbuds.
We don’t mean to encourage you to have a speaker phone conversation in a crowded space, but when you can use your speaker phone, we recommend it. Holding your phone to your ear is not a natural position for most people. It can lead to neck pains and sore ears. If you do need to hold your phone to your ear for a call, switch hands often and keep your arm at a relaxed angle.
Keep the volume of phone a reasonable level. Whether it’s pressed up against your ear or not, you should not have the volume up too loud. Continued exposure to loud noises can cause hearing damage.
Take breaks
Whether you’re on a roll or feeling overwhelmed, it’s important to take regular breaks and step away from your work for a moment. Set it down and get a healthy snack. Take a walk. If you have trouble remembering to step away until your back starts hurting, try setting an alarm to remind you. A 3–5-minute break every 30 minutes is ideal, especially if you are spending most of your day sitting down.
Stretch your hands.
Going long stretches of time typing or gripping your phone can cause hand and finger cramps, and eventually may lead to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. While you may feel like you’re wasting time stopping and stretching, it’ll keep you going further in the long run.
The American Physical Therapy Association recommends the following hand exercises:
1. Tap each finger with the thumb of the same hand. Repeat 5 times.
2. Alternately tap the palm of your hand and the back of your hand against your thigh as quickly as you
can. Repeat 20 times.
3. Open up your hands and spread your fingers as far apart as possible. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat 8
times.
4. Fold your hands together; turn your palms away from your body as you extend your arms forward.
You should only feel a gentle stretch. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat 8 times.
5. Fold your hands together; turn your palms away from your body as you extend your arms overhead.
You should feel a stretch in your upper torso and shoulders to hand. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat 8 times.
Take the time to take care of yourself. The real estate market will still be there when you get back.
ExpLiMO provides high-quality leads daily and offers a unique opportunity for Manhattan and Brooklyn real estate agents to prospect for expired listing leads and grow their business exponentially.