Strategies for Prioritizing Your Mental Health as a Real Estate Agent

Taking Care of Your Mental Health: A Crucial Element for Success as a Real Estate Agent

The real estate industry provides the opportunity for independence and the chance to shape your own career. If you're willing to put in the effort, the possibilities for achievement are limitless. However, to cultivate a long-lasting career, prioritizing your mental health is essential.

Many Americans face mental health challenges at some point in their lives. In 2020, approximately 21% of adults—around 52.9 million people—reported experiencing some form of mental illness, as stated by the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Experts suggest that real estate agents may be more susceptible to mental health issues compared to other professions. A 2014 study indicated that the real estate industry ranks second in clinically diagnosed depression rates, according to REALTOR® Magazine.

Fortunately, there are strategies you can implement to build a successful real estate career while safeguarding your mental health.

Sources of Stress for Real Estate Agents

According to a report from Baylor University, real estate agents experience stress from two main categories: industry stressors and transaction stressors.

"Stress is a national epidemic with serious implications for physical and emotional wellbeing,” the report notes. As a real estate agent, you not only work long hours with emotional and tense clients, but you also face external factors that can impact your ability to finalize transactions. Ultimately, managing your stress is crucial for your business's success.

Common industry stressors include:

Real estate cycles

• Market regulations
• Changes in infrastructure
• Industry reputation
• Transaction stressors encompass:
• Project management
• Client issues
• Property showings
• Negotiating and closing deals

Working in a commission-based role introduces its own unique stressors. REALTOR® Magazine points out that "the real estate market can fluctuate wildly based on economic or political factors, interest rate movements, or demographic shifts." This volatility can lead to heightened stress and anxiety, especially since your income heavily depends on the stability of others.

The absence of a steady paycheck can cause significant anxiety, compounded by the pressures of running a small business where you juggle roles such as lead generator, marketer, salesperson, planner, and event coordinator.

While not all mental health challenges faced by agents stem from their job, countless external factors can also impact their wellbeing. It's important to recognize that, despite the stresses of the profession, you can cultivate a successful real estate career while prioritizing your mental health.

Prioritizing Your Mental Health

Regardless of whether you've faced mental health challenges, it's always wise to proactively care for your mental wellbeing.

Inorporating healthy habits into your daily routine can help reduce stress. REALTOR® Magazine suggests reflecting on the following questions throughout your workday:

• Have I eaten properly today? Am I drinking enough water?
• Have I taken a 20-minute break to focus on something unrelated to work?
• Have I stepped away from my computer in the past hour?
• Am I allowing myself sufficient time to respond to clients, or am I constantly rushing?
• Am I seeking help from others when needed, or am I trying to tackle everything alone?

Establishing routines that prioritize sleep, exercise, and nutrition is essential, as noted by REALTOR® Magazine. You may also want to explore mindfulness or meditation practices.

Most importantly, commit to seeking help when necessary—whether that means engaging in therapy or simply confiding in friends and family. Remember, you are not alone in your struggles.

Shift Your Mindset and Create Emotional Intelligence with Ben Oosterveld: In this episode of our podcast, Shop Talk, hear insights from Ben Oosterveld, President and CEO of Agent from Within, a company dedicated to helping real estate agents thrive without sacrificing personal wellbeing.