In today’s mortgage market—or any mortgage market—good work-life balance is critical. Mortgage loan officer burnout is real, and it can have long-term negative effects on both your health and your business.

If you’re seeing some warning signs of burnout, there are plenty of things you can do to stay healthy, even with the busy schedule of a mortgage loan originator. In this article, we’ve outlined some ideas for caring for your emotional and physical health while balancing everyday life, a family, and a successful business.

We’ve also created a free guide designed specifically for loan officers with additional strategies to help avoid burnout and improve work-life balance. Click here to download your copy now.

1. Consider Hiring a Support Team.

Don’t underestimate the value of supportive team members to help avoid burnout, both personally and professionally. Trying to do everything yourself is a recipe for mental and physical exhaustion—and it will eventually catch up with you.

You shouldn’t feel guilty about needing extra help. After all, as a mortgage loan officer, the secret to increasing your volume and serving more customers is having a strong team behind you.

Here’s how we suggest going about getting people to support you:

• Identify your needs: Start by determining what you love doing most in your business, what takes the most time, and what your least favorite activities are. Identify your workflows and think about which team member could take on those tasks. It might be someone who already works for you, or you may need to hire. Defining what you’re already doing will make it easier to know how to redistribute work to your team.
• Think about your priorities: Which tasks are having the greatest negative impact on your physical and mental health? This will help you decide what your biggest needs are and where to focus delegating. Ask yourself what will free up the most time and make the biggest difference to your clients, and then work on that area first.
• Define the job requirements: If you’re hiring, write a job description with well-defined expectations. Outline the responsibilities this person will have day to day. If you’re delegating tasks to an existing member of your mortgage team, those should also be in writing for everyone’s benefit.

Read more about building a strong mortgage team in this blog post. Having an incredible team behind you can go a long way toward helping you avoid burnout.

2. Prioritize Yourself and Your Health.

It can be challenging to prioritize time for yourself every single day, especially if you’ve been working around the clock. Frequently, your physical and mental health are the first things you tend to neglect, because they don’t have deadlines. But not meeting your own needs is a guaranteed way to start seeing the warning signs of mortgage loan officer burnout.

Prioritize spending time with yourself: Maybe get up earlier to exercise, get outside for a few minutes during your lunch break, or clock out earlier than normal to take a quick walk before dinner. Little breaks can help reduce stress and clear your mind while improving your energy levels.

Additionally, practice mindfulness techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises. These activities can significantly lower stress levels and enhance mental clarity.

Ensure that you’re getting enough sleep and maintaining a healthy diet. Both are crucial for sustaining your physical and mental well-being. Regularly scheduling time for hobbies and social activities can also provide a much-needed mental break from work pressures.

Remember, a well-balanced life not only improves your performance at work but also boosts your overall happiness. Making self-care a key part of your routine is essential for long-term success and fulfillment in your career.

3. Create a Schedule.

Not having a schedule sometimes means that work creeps into every aspect of your life. Be deliberate about what a healthy work-life balance looks like for you, and get it down on paper.

Here are several things to think about as you create a schedule to help you avoid burnout:

• What are your regular work hours?
• What is your family’s schedule, and when do you need to be focusing on them?
• When is your personal time to take care of yourself?
• What is your hard stop time at work every day?
• When do you need to be in bed to ensure that you get enough sleep?
• When can you schedule short breaks throughout your day?

Knowing when you’ll be working and when you’ll be doing other things keeps you from feeling like you’re hustling 24/7. It will also keep you focused and effective at each thing that you’re doing, making your time go further. Remember to include flexibility in your schedule to accommodate unexpected events without causing stress.

4. Set Healthy Boundaries.

Many others feel overwhelmed and are struggling with implementing a healthy work-life balance. So people aren’t likely to be surprised or offended when you set limits on your time.

If possible, organize your work schedule around the times when your clients need you most. Also inform clients about when they can contact you, what method is best, and when you’ll see their messages if you’re not in the office.

Your team also needs to be aware of when you’re working and when they can expect you to return their messages. Definitely let your support team know how you’d like them to get in touch with you if there’s an emergency when you’re not working.

Don’t forget to set some boundaries with yourself as well. Here are some ideas to help improve your work life:

• Build in breaks: Don’t try to power through a long day without interruption. Give yourself opportunities for stress relief throughout the day, and be sure to take a decent lunch break. Walking outside is a great way to ward off symptoms of burnout.
• Set actual physical work boundaries: If you sometimes work from home, create a dedicated workspace, or your entire house will become your office. This can lead to burnout because you begin to feel like you’re always at work.
• Take your vacation days seriously: When you can, unplug from the office completely, whether it’s a vacation or just a relaxing weekend.

5. Give Yourself Some Flexibility.

As a mortgage officer, there is always one more thing you could do. To avoid burnout, set realistic expectations for yourself and do your best to meet them—but also treat yourself with kindness.

Remember that even if you have a difficult day and don’t accomplish everything you intended, tomorrow is another opportunity. Pay attention to the days that go well and those that don’t so you can make improvements going forward.

Allow yourself some leeway to adapt to changing circumstances and unexpected challenges. Flexibility in your schedule can help you manage stress and maintain a healthier work-life balance. For instance, if a task takes longer than anticipated, adjust your plans without feeling guilty. Learn to delegate tasks when possible, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed.

Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, and recognize that progress is more important than perfection. By incorporating flexibility into your routine, you can stay resilient and motivated, making it easier to navigate the demands of your role while preserving your well-being.

Achieving a Healthy Work-Life Balance

A little planning can go a long way, and some healthy coping strategies can help reduce stress and prevent burnout. In our free ebook, we’ve provided additional strategies for you to consider. Download your copy now by clicking here.

If you’re already experiencing burnout and feeling overwhelmed, start by taking a small step. Go outside for a walk on your lunch break, meet with a friend for coffee, or ask for additional support from your team, spouse, or family. You can successfully navigate the challenges of this demanding field while maintaining both your health and your effectiveness, but you have to be intentional with your time.

At APM, we believe a fulfilling career is one where you can thrive both personally and professionally. Remember, achieving a healthy work-life balance isn’t about making drastic changes overnight but about consistently making choices that prioritize your well-being.

If you’re interested in learning more about how APM can support you on that journey, click here. By implementing these strategies and seeking support when needed, you can create a sustainable, rewarding career in the mortgage industry.