After the long stretch of relative calm investors have enjoyed, the recent market pullback should not be surprising. Corrections are a healthy and regular part of the investing cycle.

A combination of factors (recent Federal Reserve rate hikes, upcoming mid-term elections), along with investor emotions together caused the market to drop.

While big drops can cause uneasiness and concern, it's important to stay focused on the long term.

Click here for LPL Research's Thoughts on the Market Sell-Off.