Prioritizing Mental Health as a Realtor: Why It Matters and How to Stay Grounded in Your Business
As a Realtor, you often find yourself balancing multiple tasks—client meetings, property showings, marketing, contracts, and more. Real estate is fast-paced, highly competitive, and demands not only your time but also your emotional energy. It's no wonder so many Realtors experience burnout or struggle with maintaining their mental well-being.
I recently saw an Instagram post by @realtormomcoach that stopped me in my tracks. This Realtor, Taley Hunt, was telling a story about how, as a new mom, she was struggling. She mentions how she brought her newborn to a showing and she felt super overwhelmed. She ended up pulling over on the side of the Interstate to feed her baby and burst into tears.
Many of us know the incredible demands of being a parent, a step-parent, caregiver, spouse, and many other roles. We aren’t JUST Realtors. We have other roles in life that encompass who we are as people. I firmly believe that a work/life balance isn’t always attainable-as much as this is touted as the way to “get it all done.” Being successful in all areas of our lives is important.
However, mental health is just as important to your success as closing a deal or making a sale. When you’re mentally healthy, you’re more focused, productive, and capable of delivering top-notch service to your clients. So, how do you make mental wellness a priority in both your life and business? Let's explore why mental health should be at the top of your list and practical ways to keep it in check.
Why Mental Health Should Be a Priority in Real Estate
Sustainability in Business: Real estate is not a short-term game; it’s a marathon. To sustain a successful career, you need to be in the best mental shape possible. Burnout leads to poor decision-making, lower productivity, and ultimately impacts your bottom line.
Client Relationships: Your job as a Realtor involves managing relationships, understanding clients' needs, and being emotionally available. When you’re stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, it becomes harder to maintain healthy, professional relationships with your clients. Mental well-being helps you stay calm, patient, and present.
Decision-Making: Real estate decisions can often be high-stakes, whether it's negotiating deals or advising clients on large financial investments. A cluttered or overwhelmed mind is more prone to making mistakes. Prioritizing mental health ensures you make clear, thoughtful decisions under pressure.
Balance: A healthy mind enables a healthy balance between your personal life and professional obligations. Without mental well-being, it’s easy for real estate to take over every aspect of your life, leaving little time for yourself or your loved ones. Make sure you are “time-blocking” in your career: setting limits and giving room for all aspects.
Practical Ways to Stay Mentally Healthy as a Realtor
Set Boundaries: It can be tempting to be available 24/7 for your clients, but this is a recipe for burnout. Set clear working hours and communicate them with your clients. For example, let them know that you’re available between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., and that messages received outside of these hours will be returned the next business day. Tip: Set your phone to Do Not Disturb setting after a certain point in the evening.
Practice Mindfulness: Incorporating mindfulness practices, like meditation or deep-breathing exercises, can help you stay grounded. Even just ten minutes a day has been proven to reduce anxiety and improve your focus. Apps like Headspace or Calm offer guided meditations tailored for busy professionals.
Delegate and Automate: You don’t have to do everything yourself. Leverage tools like CRM systems for client management or hire an assistant, if this is feasible, for administrative tasks. This allows you to focus on the most important aspects of your business without feeling overwhelmed by the minutiae.
Prioritize Physical Health: Physical health and mental health are deeply interconnected. Make sure you’re eating nutritious meals, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. Making healthier choices at a drive-thru window can be hard. But every little bit of effort counts. Taking a brisk walk between showings can help clear your mind and recharge your energy levels.
Stay Connected: Real estate can be a lonely profession, especially if you work independently. Make time to connect with other Realtors, join support groups, or have a mentor to share your experiences with. Talking to others in the field can help you feel less isolated and give you a fresh perspective on challenges.
Take Regular Breaks: Realtors are often running from one task to the next. Make sure to schedule short breaks throughout your day to reset mentally. A quick 10-minute break can work wonders for your mental clarity.
Invest in Therapy or Coaching: Mental health professionals and business coaches can provide invaluable guidance. Therapy can help you manage stress, anxiety, or any personal issues that may be affecting your professional life. On the other hand, a business coach can help you streamline your business operations and reduce overwhelm.
Celebrate Wins: In a high-pressure environment like real estate, it’s easy to move from one deal to the next without taking time to celebrate. Acknowledge your wins—big or small. Reflecting on your achievements helps reinforce a positive mindset and keeps you motivated.
Integrating Mental Health into Your Real Estate Business
Create a Wellness Plan: Just as you create a business plan, design a wellness plan. Outline specific goals, such as working out three times a week, setting aside time for hobbies, or practicing gratitude daily. This gives you a structured approach to maintaining mental well-being.
Include Wellness in Your Schedule: Block off time in your calendar for mental health activities just as you would for client meetings. Whether it's a 20-minute walk, a lunch break with a friend, or attending a yoga class, scheduling these activities ensures they actually happen.
Limit Social Media Consumption: Social media is a fantastic tool for marketing, but it can also be a major source of stress. Limit your time spent on social platforms, and when you do use them, have a purpose. Avoid mindless scrolling, as it can negatively affect your self-esteem and productivity.
Lead by Example: If you manage a team, foster a culture that values mental health. Encourage breaks, support a healthy work-life balance, and promote open conversations about mental well-being. A mentally healthy workplace will lead to more engaged and productive employees.
Offer Clients Mental Wellness Support: Real estate transactions can be stressful for your clients as well. Consider incorporating wellness tips into your client communication. For instance, send them a stress-relief guide during the home-buying process or recommend local wellness resources. Bonus: This thoughtful touch can help you stand out.
Final Thoughts
In real estate, success isn’t just about closing deals; it’s about maintaining a sustainable career that supports your overall well-being. Prioritizing mental health helps you become more resilient, focused, and productive, ensuring that your business thrives without sacrificing your personal well-being. Remember, a healthy Realtor is a successful Realtor.
