Being a real estate agent is one of the most rewarding careers, but let’s be honest — it’s also one of the most stressful. Between long days on the road, unpredictable schedules, endless phone calls, and client demands, it’s easy to forget about your own health. The truth is, ignoring your heart health can catch up with you. As a former cardiologist turned realtor, I’ve seen firsthand how small lifestyle habits can make or break your long-term well-being.
The good news? You don’t need hours at the gym or complicated meal plans to protect your heart. Instead, it’s about creating simple, sustainable habits while eliminating the harmful ones that creep into our daily realtor grind.
1. Move Between Showings
Real estate agents spend hours driving clients around or sitting at open houses. Sitting too long increases risks of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Instead of scrolling your phone between appointments, take a brisk 10-minute walk. Even short bursts of activity add up and help circulation, metabolism, and stress relief.
Eliminate: Parking right in front of every house. Park a little farther away and walk — your step count and heart will thank you.
2. Eat Smart on the Go
Fast food is the easiest option when you’re dashing between appointments. But high sodium, fried foods, and sugary drinks raise blood pressure and stress your heart. Keep healthy snacks like almonds, fruit, or protein bars in your car so you don’t get trapped by drive-thru temptation.
Eliminate: Sugary coffee drinks and sodas. Replace with water or unsweetened tea to stay hydrated and energized without the crash.
3. Manage Stress with Breathing
Negotiations, bidding wars, and late-night calls can spike stress hormones. Chronic stress is one of the hidden drivers of heart disease. When things heat up, take a minute to practice deep breathing — inhale slowly for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 6. It calms your nervous system and clears your head.
Eliminate: The habit of immediately reacting to stressful emails or texts. Pause, breathe, then respond thoughtfully.
4. Prioritize Quality Sleep
Sleep is often the first thing agents sacrifice to meet deadlines or chase leads. But poor sleep raises the risk of high blood pressure, arrhythmias, and weight gain. Create a wind-down routine: put your phone away 30 minutes before bed, keep your bedroom dark and cool, and aim for 7 hours of rest.
Eliminate: Falling asleep with your laptop or phone in bed. Blue light tricks your brain into staying awake and robs you of deep, restorative sleep.
5. Keep an Eye on Your Numbers
As agents, we track market stats daily — yet we rarely track our own health stats. Know your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. Regular checkups can catch issues early and help you stay ahead of heart problems.
Eliminate: Ignoring warning signs like chest tightness, fatigue, or shortness of breath. Don’t brush it off as “just stress.” Pay attention.
Final Thought
Real estate can be demanding, but remember: your health is the most valuable asset you’ll ever own. By building heart-healthy habits and eliminating harmful ones, you’ll not only live longer but also have the energy, focus, and resilience to thrive in this fast-paced business.
Your career is a marathon, not a sprint — take care of your heart so it can carry you through every deal, every client, and every success story ahead.
