REALTORS + Mental Health

It’s a topic most shy away from discussing, but nevertheless one that needs to be addressed…

REALTORS and their mental health.

Most full-time real estate agents live a fast-paced lifestyle. If they’re an agent like me, they’re up at 5am outlining the day ahead of them while similtaniously drinking a full pot of coffee. The days are long, but the to-do lists prove to be even longer; extending themselves as the day progresses, a new bullet point added after each completed phone call… (REALTOR readers know what I mean!) You see, as a full-time REALTOR, your job is to be present, professional and driven at all times. REALTORS must be educated, on top of every transaction and engaged in their community throughout the year. They must be well-liked, well-mannered, well-dressed, well-spoken, well-put together, well-educated… You get the picture. And in this materialistic, social media driven society- it’s imperative that REALTORS (& any working professional, for that matter) put their mental health at the forefront.

So how do we do that? How do we, as working professionals, make our mental health a top priority? It’s simple, really- we make it a freakin’ top priority by putting away our cell phone(s).

OK, OK I know what you’re thinking. “Caroline, it’s not that simple. I can’t put down my cell phone. I have responsibilities and a schedule to keep up with.” Awesome! I do too, but I refuse to compromise my mental health for the sake of closing another deal. Let me write that again for the readers in the back- I refuse to compromise my mental health for the sake of closing another deal.

Feeling overwhelmed? Stressed? Tired? Sad? Listen to your body- your feelings and stressors are valid! Take time for yourself and nurture your mind... Do something that makes YOU happy, not just the people around you. Maybe you’ve dreamed of being an author? Start writing! Maybe you like the outdoors? Get hiking! Or maybe you need alone time? Schedule a babysitter! My point is, do something that makes YOU happy without the distraction of technology.

I believe social media and technology have worked together to make instant communication a requirement in professionalism, specifically real estate… And that’s not OK. In writing this, I challenge ever reader, REALTOR or not, to put down the cell phone. Engage with the people right in front of you and STOP feeling rushed. Enjoy the life around you and be present with friends and family. Technology stops ruling our lives the moment we stop giving it attention… Free yourself from the cell phone and make your mental health a top priority!!!

THX 4 READING

Now go take care of yourself! ;)