Episode 9 - 7 Types of Rest Every Real Estate Agent Needs

Ever had one of those days where you get a full eight hours of sleep, wake up thinking you should feel great… but you’re still exhausted?

Yeah, same.

I was in Phoenix recently on a little girlcation—spa days, good food, no client calls. I slept in, I relaxed, and yet… I still felt drained. That’s when I remembered something I read a while back: rest isn’t just about sleep.

Turns out, there are seven types of rest we all need, and if you’re missing even one, you’re going to feel like you’re running on empty. And if you’re a real estate agent? The way this industry operates—late-night negotiations, weekend showings, nonstop client calls—makes us even more prone to exhaustion.

So let’s break this down. If you’re feeling tired all the time, ask yourself: what kind of rest am I actually missing?

1. Physical Rest

This is the most obvious one. It’s about giving your body a break—whether that’s passive rest (sleep, naps, literally laying down) or active rest (stretching, yoga, massage, anything that helps your muscles recover).

🔹 Real estate agent struggle: You’re constantly on your feet—running to showings, standing at open houses, hustling up and down stairs in homes.
💡 Quick fix: Schedule intentional downtime. A short midday nap, stretching after a long day, or a monthly massage can make a huge difference.

2. Mental Rest

Ever feel like your brain is going a million miles an hour? That’s because it is. Agents juggle so much—deadlines, contracts, client emotions, marketing, business strategy—it’s no wonder our minds never shut off.

🔹 Real estate agent struggle: Mental overload leads to decision fatigue, forgetfulness, and that scatterbrained feeling.
💡 Quick fix: Try a brain dump—write everything down before bed or at the end of your workday so you’re not carrying it around in your head. And please, for the love of sanity, set some boundaries (Do Not Disturb mode is your friend!).

3. Sensory Rest

Phones, computers, notifications, constant talking, city noise—our senses are bombarded all day long. If you’ve ever felt like you just want to sit in a dark, quiet room alone… yeah, that’s your brain begging for sensory rest.

🔹 Real estate agent struggle: Your phone is always buzzing, you’re glued to screens, and you’re constantly in high-energy environments.
💡 Quick fix: Drive in silence. Take a bath with your eyes closed. Dim the lights and put your phone away an hour before bed. Unplug—just for a little bit.

4. Creative Rest

Real estate is problem-solving all day long—figuring out marketing strategies, staging ideas, creative negotiation tactics. But if you never take a break to refill your inspiration tank, you’ll hit a wall.

🔹 Real estate agent struggle: Feeling stuck, uninspired, or like you’re just going through the motions.
💡 Quick fix: Go somewhere inspiring! Walk through an art museum, take a scenic hike, or try something creative just for fun (like doodling, photography, or redecorating a room in your house).

5. Emotional Rest

This one hits hard for agents. We’re constantly managing our clients' emotions—calming first-time buyers, handling frustrated sellers, absorbing stress from deals going sideways. And that takes a huge emotional toll.

🔹 Real estate agent struggle: You’re always the rock for everyone else, but who supports you?
💡 Quick fix: Vent to someone who isn’t your partner (a therapist, coach, or trusted friend). And don’t bottle it up—find an outlet to express how you feel.

6. Social Rest

Some people recharge by being around others. Others (hi, introverts 🙋‍♀️) need alone time to refuel. The key is knowing which type you are.

🔹 Real estate agent struggle: If you’re constantly networking, hosting events, or engaging on social media, you might need time to unplug from people.
💡 Quick fix: If you thrive in social settings, spend time with people who energize you. If you need space, schedule solo time—even if it’s just a quiet coffee break alone.

7. Spiritual Rest

This isn’t necessarily about religion (though it can be). It’s about connecting to something bigger than yourself—your purpose, your "why."

🔹 Real estate agent struggle: When the day-to-day grind feels overwhelming, it’s easy to lose sight of why you’re doing this in the first place.
💡 Quick fix: Reconnect with your purpose. Reflect on the impact you’re making—helping families find homes, building wealth for your clients, supporting your community. If giving back fuels you, find a cause to support through volunteering or donations.

So… Which Type of Rest Do You Need Most?

The reality is, you can’t build a thriving business if you’re running on empty. You don’t always need a week-long vacation to reset—sometimes, it’s just about knowing what kind of rest you’re missing and making small changes.

So here’s my challenge to you: take 10 minutes today to check in with yourself. Which type of rest do you need most? And what’s one small thing you can do to get it?

If this hit home for you, I dive even deeper into each type of rest in this week’s podcast episode. You won’t want to miss it.

And if you know another agent who’s this close to burnout? Do them a favor and share this with them.

Here’s to a thriving business and a rested, joy-filled life. 💛