By Jayla Robinson
Charmed Realty Collective
Wheeling Board of REALTORS®

Real estate is a fast-moving, high-energy world — and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. The pace, the people, the puzzle of putting deals together… it lights me up. But let’s be real: that kind of go-go-go lifestyle can also take a toll if we’re not careful.

It’s easy to get swept up in the moment-to-moment hustle — reacting to a sudden issue, responding to a late-night offer — and forgetting one of the most important parts of staying grounded and showing up as our best selves: recovery.

The Three R’s: React, Respond, Recover

Over the years, I’ve leaned into what I call the Three R’s — React, Respond, Recover. Most of us in this business are pros at the first two. We react quickly because timing is everything, and we respond with professionalism because we know our reputation depends on it.

But the third “R” — recover — is the one that often gets skipped. And it’s the one that matters most. When we don’t allow ourselves the space to recover — emotionally, mentally, and physically — it adds up. It starts to leak into how we show up for our clients, our colleagues, our families, and ourselves. And let’s not forget: the person on the other end of that stressful negotiation? You might work with them again. Giving yourself time to reset not only benefits you, it  strengthens the industry as a whole.

Recovery isn’t a luxury — it’s a professional responsibility.

Avoiding Burnout in Busy Season

Let’s talk about burnout — especially during the busy season. It can feel like we have to be on all the time — phones buzzing, inboxes piling up, expectations high. But burning the candle at both ends isn’t sustainable. Loving your job is one thing (and I do), but that love can fade when your nervous system is in overdrive.

So how do we stay in the game without burning out?:

• Schedule texts and emails to go out during business hours — even if you’re working late. If you do not know how to do this, ask me! It was life changing
• Set clear boundaries around your time and stick to them. Do not roll your eyes at this one. Just do it.
• Take real breaks, even if it’s just a few minutes between showings. Go outside. Breathe. Be prepared and pack a change on clothes and shoes in your car. Maybe you finish up earlier than expected and can take a walk before heading to the next thing.
• Understand you are not the REALTOR® for everyone. It is a fact. If you were, you would not be your true self.

5 Ways to Extraordinary Confidence

When I feel myself slipping into overdrive, I go back to a method we share through Ask Yourself Why Not —my weekly self-improvement podcast; our go-to 5 Ways to Extraordinary Confidence. These tools keep me grounded, energized, and aligned:

1. Movement – You don’t need a full workout to feel better. A quick walk, stretching, or light yoga can release stress and reset your energy. Moving your body -literally- releases stress.

2. Meditation, Prayer, or Quiet Time – Just a few minutes of silence can do wonders for your focus and peace of mind. Finished with work and heading into your home to your family? Set a timer for 5 minutes and just sit in silence in your car before the transition. These transitional moments can be lifechanging.

3. Gratitude – It’s a simple shift in perspective. Keep a journal, speak it aloud, or pause to acknowledge what’s working — even on hard days. There is science behind this! Practicing gratitude daily can rewire your brain to naturally look for the positive instead of human nature of “worst case scenario”. Practice, practice, practice!

4. Content Consumption – Pay attention to what you’re absorbing. What you scroll, listen to, or watch impacts how you feel. Choose what lifts you up. What we consume affects our thoughts and behaviors. We have more control than we think. Be intentional. Read a book or listen to a podcast around something you’re curious about.

5. Self-Love – Be kind to yourself. Would you speak to a friend the way you speak to yourself? Your inner voice shapes your outer reality. Putting this into action could be using affirmations or being intentional with challenging those negative thoughts that come to surface. Is it true? What would happen if the opposite were true?

Find Your Flow

Another thing that’s helped me tremendously? Figuring out when I work best. Some people thrive in the morning; others come alive at night. Don’t fight your natural rhythm — lean into it. Honor your own flow and build your schedule around it when you can.

You First, Then you can show up for your clients

Mental health matters. In this business, it’s not optional — it’s essential. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and you can’t give your best to your clients if you’re running on fumes. Client care starts with self-care. It’s not selfish — it’s smart business. How are you handling your business?

Take care of yourself. You deserve it.

If you are looking for resources or elaboration on anything mentioned in this short article, please feel free to reach out to me! I would love to hear any and all of you!

Jayla