How to Reduce Stress during AEP
We all know the Medicare Advantage Annual Enrollment Period, better known as AEP, is the most high-stakes, high-strain time of year for Medicare insurance agents. Truthfully, having a stress-free AEP is impossible, but you certainly can take steps that will help you reduce your stress during AEP. Even though you probably know that already, reminders are always helpful. Follow along for some tips to reduce your stress this AEP.
Plan
By planning, you reduce uncertainties, and uncertainties can be a significant source of stress and anxiety. Create a schedule that delegates time for all your essential daily tasks such as talking to prospects, clerical duties, and even unwinding at the end of the day. Have plans before, during, and after AEP to ensure that you address changing priorities. Make sure you don’t go overboard; planning everything down to the last minute can add stress. Give yourself enough time to breathe and be flexible.
Don’t Overcommit
Having a well-planned schedule will help you prioritize and stop you from spreading yourself too thin. When you spread yourself too thin, you lose overall productivity across the board. Make sure you have enough time dedicated to each of your clients so that you can build a solid relationship. Rushing meetings with clients can limit the information you retain and gather and lower your chances of becoming their trusted insurance agent. Overcommitting is also an easy way to burn out – do yourself a favor and don’t spread yourself too thin.
Update Your Tools
Virtual selling is once again a significant part of AEP this year. Make sure all of your tools are up to date and that you have the resources to maintain authenticity, personalization, productivity, and compliance.
Exercise
Exercise is a significant player when it comes to reducing stress. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of activity per week to maintain health and reduce stress. If you can, block off at least 30 minutes a day to get up, be active, and release some tension.
Eat Right
During AEP, it can be easy to be drinking loads of coffee and forget to take lunch – but don’t. As standard as society makes some of these habits seem, it adds unnecessary stress onto your body. Try and limit your caffeine intake and choose nutrient-dense foods. Eating a balanced diet will boost your energy and lower your stress levels.
Limit Screen Time
Too much screen time links to headaches, insomnia, chronic pain, and other symptoms contributing to stress. While it is not possible to switch to totally analog work, make sure to take time out of your day to unplug, relax, and engage in screen-free activities.
Relax
Relaxing is a great activity to partake in during your unplugged time. If you don’t take the time to unwind at the end of the day, you can carry tension into your life outside of the office. Take your unplugged time to clear the stress from your mind & focus on enjoying yourself. Read a book, have dinner with friends, or meditate. Do whatever eases your mind from the daily stress of the insurance world.
Make Time for Hobbies
Another relaxing activity is making sure you have dedicated time for your hobbies. No matter what you enjoy in your free time, make sure you take time to do something fun and exciting. AEP requires you to spend a lot of time on clients’ needs and wants, but it is still just as essential to make time for your own.
Be Social
Being social may seem overwhelming after a long day selling during AEP, but it is necessary to maintain your mental health. Socializing makes you overall happier, healthier and even increases your life expectancy.
Sleep
Getting enough sleep not only ensures you can be on your A-Game for prospects and clients, but it just makes you feel better. Being well-rested means you can be ready to give your clients 110%. With around 7-9 hours of sleep per night, you will have more energy, focus, and be in a better mood, all of which will ensure you have a less stressful AEP.
Keeping these tips in mind, we at Agent Pipeline hope you finish out this AEP strong. If you have any questions, concerns, or needs, call us today at 800.962.4693.
