Self-care in the quarantine & quick market update

Greetings friends, 
The data won't be released for a while re: new contracts, but inventory continues to be absorbed quickly throughout northern Colorado. Layoffs and stricter lender guidelines conspired with general fear to cause a bump in the number of relisted properties in the last couple weeks, but the numbers suggest it's almost business as usual out there. We all know it is far from that. 

You've probably gotten an email from every merchant you ever gave your address to, most of them appearing to have been crafted by the same copywriter. Erickson Realty has yet to go down the dark path of canned content, so I asked associate broker Deb Alexander - a licensed massage therapist - to put together some self-care tips for all of us during our extended time in our homes:

Self-Care Tips
Staying home impacts our lives in many ways. The decreased movement and increased stress can start to have a negative impact on our bodies as well as our minds. In this time of closed Chiropractors and Massage Therapists, Self-Care is more important than ever. I hope everyone has found ways to stay healthy, active, and centered during this stressful time. For anyone interested in some additional Self-Care tips, here are a few suggestions from a Massage Therapist with too much time on her hands....

*STAY HYDRATED - With our limited freedom to roam about, it’s easy to forget to hydrate. The recommended daily intake of water is half your body weight in ounces. Drink up! 


*EAT WELL - It’s easy to snack and turn to comfort foods when we’re stressed or bored. While a little of this is ok, our bodies feel better when we eat nutritionally-dense foods. Paint your plate with as many colors as you can. 


*BREATHE - Stop and take 5 deep belly breaths throughout the day. This can greatly alleviate anxiety and sharpen your focus. 


*GET UP AND MOVE - Shifting to working from home, or not working at all, many of us find ourselves moving less during the day. Get up and move. Take breaks from sitting at your desk and walk around the house, do a sun salutation, go for a walk at lunch time. Just 2-3 minutes of movement every couple of hours throughout the day can alleviate aches and keep our minds fresh!

*STRETCH - There are many simple stretches you can do at your desk, or even on the couch, to reduce stiffness and pain. Do some gentle head rolls. Stretch your wrists by extending your arm and gently pulling back on your upward - then downward - facing fingers. A forward fold is a good release for your lower back and hamstrings; interlace your fingers at the base of your skull for some additional traction (do not pull). The seated Figure 4 can help counteract the effects of sitting on our bums all day. 


*SELF-MASSAGE - In addition to your own palm, fist or forearm...tennis balls, racquet balls and foam rollers are great tools for self-massage. Sit one side of your glutes on a tennis ball at your desk to alleviate sciatic pain. Put 2 balls in a sock and roll them up your spine. Foam rolling is an excellent way to move lactic acid out of your body, ease muscle soreness, reduce adhesions and tension, and increase range of motion. Don’t have a foam roller...grab a rolling pin! 

*SLEEP - Get a good night’s sleep every night. With the added stress of our current situation, this is more important than ever. Sleep is when our bodies heal and it sets us up for a new day. 

A great day starts with the night before. 

*LAUGH - Because it’s fun!

Deb is happy to answer specific questions about pain and muscle tension. Please use her massage email for those queries at [email protected], and of course you can view more general info at www.bluephoenixmt.com.

Finally, those seeking forbearance options on their mortgages should know the basics behind doing so. There are NO provisions in the CARES act concerning forgiveness, and missed payments are simply pushed out. If you're experiencing hardship but haven't been given resources, I'm happy to provide them.

Everyone please be well and contact us with any needs during this time, real estate or otherwise. Cheers, Crip