5 Daily Habits to Help Property Managers Reduce Stress and Avoid Burnout
Property management isn’t your standard 9-to-5 job. It’s a fast-paced, high-pressure role. You find yourself dealing with upset tenants, demanding landlords, and urgent repairs. The job never seems to end. Before you know it, stress can escalate into complete burnout.
In fact, recent industry surveys show that stress and burnout are rising among property professionals. Constant interruptions, high workloads, and the pressure to solve problems quickly can take a toll on your mental health and overall well-being.
The good news? There are simple, effective ways to manage stress and protect your mental health. Even in a demanding role like property management. In this guide, we share five simple daily habits that can help you stay calm, clear-headed, and at your best.
Why Mental Health Matters in Property Management
Property management is rewarding, but it has its own set of challenges. Unlike some office jobs, you are working with real people facing real problems. One minute you’re sorting out a leaky roof; the next you’re mediating between a frustrated tenant and a landlord. Then factoring in out-of-hours calls, tight deadlines, and client expectations. It is no surprise that stress is common.
Unmanaged stress not only affects your mood. It can impact your performance, relationships, sleep, and even your long-term physical health. That’s why managing your mental health isn’t a luxury. It is essential if you want to thrive in your career and maintain a good quality of life.
The following five habits are specifically designed with property managers in mind. They’re realistic, attainable, and effective when practiced daily.
Habit 1: Start Your Day with a Clear Plan (10 Minutes)
When your day is chaotic from the start, stress levels soar. Successful property managers often begin their day by setting clear priorities.
Spend 10 minutes each morning (before checking emails!) to:
Make a list of the 3 things you must do today.
Set realistic time blocks for viewings and appointments.
Make a note of any urgent follow-ups from the day before.
This small habit helps you stay proactive rather than reactive. Even when emergencies pop up. Focus on your priorities first. It helps you avoid getting overwhelmed by other people’s demands.
Tip: Use a simple planner or app such as Trello to stay organised. Writing things down also helps clear your mind and lower anxiety.
Habit 2: Set Boundaries Around Out-of-Hours Calls
What is one of the main causes of stress in property management? Feeling like you’re on call 24/7. Emergency situations do occur, but being available all the time is unsustainable. But it is a fast track to burnout.
Protecting your off-hours is critical for mental recovery. Here’s how to start setting healthier boundaries:
Use an out-of-hours call answering service (like PropCall) to handle tenant emergencies professionally.
Give landlords and tenants notice of clear working hours beforehand.
Do not check emails or work messages past a set time each evening.
By setting clear boundaries, you give your brain and body time to recover. This means you will be more efficient during working hours.
Habit 3: Take Mini Mental Breaks During the Day
Property managers are often guilty of powering through without stopping. But regular micro-breaks have been shown to reduce stress, improve focus, and prevent fatigue.
Challenge yourself to take at least one 5-minute mental break every 90 minutes. During those minutes:
Step away from your computer or phone.
Stretch or take a quick walk.
Try some deep breathing exercises (breathe in for 4, hold for 4, out for 4).
Or just enjoy a cup of tea without screens attached.
Think of these as "stress resets" during your day. They only take a few minutes but could make a huge difference in your energy and mood.
Tip: If you are out on viewings or inspections, use travel time as your break. For example, listen to calming music or a podcast that you enjoy.
Habit 4: Practice Calm Communication During Conflicts
Let’s face it: conflict is part of the job. Whether it’s chasing unpaid rent, dealing with complaints, or handling tricky maintenance issues, property managers often deal with stressed or angry people.
How you handle these moments can either raise your stress — or reduce it. The key? Calm, controlled communication.
Try this simple habit when tensions rise:
Take a deep breath before responding (even if just for 2 seconds).
Acknowledge the person’s frustration ("I hear that this has been upsetting for you").
Keep your tone low and steady, even if they’re emotional.
Focus on solutions rather than blame.
This doesn’t just de-escalate conflicts — it protects your own mental state, preventing emotional exhaustion. Over time, practicing calm communication builds your resilience in tough situations.
Habit 5: Make Time for Yourself After Work
The best property managers don’t just manage buildings — they manage their own well-being, too.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of working late, thinking about properties in your free time, or skipping activities you enjoy because you’re “too busy.” But making time for yourself every day is vital for stress management and preventing burnout.
After work, aim to spend at least 30 minutes doing something that relaxes and recharges you. This could be:
Going for a walk in nature.
Hitting the gym or doing a fitness class.
Reading, crafting, or listening to music.
Spending quality time with family or friends.
By making this a daily habit — not just occasional — you build a stronger buffer against work stress. It also trains your brain to switch off from “property mode” and return to you time.
Additional Tips for Long-Term Stress Management
Beyond these daily habits, there are bigger-picture strategies that can also help property managers stay well long-term:
Delegate where possible: Use specialist services to handle admin or out-of-hours work, freeing up your time.
Stay connected: Talking with other property professionals can help you feel supported (and remind you you’re not alone in dealing with challenges).
Look after your physical health: Good sleep, regular exercise, and balanced meals all contribute to better stress resilience.
Seek support when needed: If stress feels overwhelming, talking to a professional — like a coach or counsellor — can make a real difference.
Protecting Your Well-Being Is Good Business
At PropCall, we work with property managers every day — and we see first-hand how demanding the role can be. But we also see that when professionals take steps to protect their mental health, they not only feel better — they perform better, too.
Implementing even a few of these daily habits can help you feel calmer, more in control, and more able to tackle the ups and downs of property management.
Remember: looking after yourself isn’t a luxury — it’s a business strategy. A rested, resilient property manager is the best asset any landlord or agency can have.
So, take that 5-minute break. Set that boundary. Make that time for yourself. Your well-being (and your career) will thank you for it.
Ready to reclaim your time and reduce stress?
Discover how PropCall’s out-of-hours service can handle tenant emergencies for you — so you can protect your downtime and avoid burnout. Get in touch with our team today.