Pursuing an MBA is incredibly rewarding, but it’s no secret that it comes with its fair share of stress. Between classes, group projects, internships and trying to build a network, it’s easy for the pressure to build up.
Thankfully, most business schools are well aware of the challenges students face and offer a variety of on-campus resources to help manage stress and maintain balance.
Resources for Mental and Physical Health
One of the most valuable resources many schools provide is counseling and mental health services. Whether it’s a one-on-one counseling session or a group workshop, these services are designed to help you talk through your stress, develop coping strategies and keep burnout at bay.
Many business schools say it’s a good idea to take advantage of these resources early on, even if you’re just feeling slightly frazzled — regular check-ins can help you stay mentally grounded throughout the MBA journey.
“Most full-time MBA students come from abroad. Integration in a new environment and understanding a new culture can be quite challenging, especially at the beginning of the MBA journey,” says Alina Levinska, who manages degree programs at Germany’s Frankfurt School of Finance and Management.
Time management is a big challenge, she adds. “The MBA program has a packed schedule with classes, assignment deadlines and networking events, which can be overwhelming. To help students balance their studies and social life, we provide workshops on time- and self-management and student wellness.”
In addition to counseling, many schools have embraced mindfulness and meditation programs. It might seem like a buzzword, but schools say mindfulness practices like meditation and yoga can make a huge difference when it comes to managing stress.
Many such institutions are committed to providing students with resources that go beyond mental health support, and physical fitness is a big part of that. Most campuses have gyms and recreational sports leagues to help students blow off steam.
Tools for Managing Time
Another helpful resource that often goes overlooked is time management and productivity workshops. Let’s be honest: the sheer volume of tasks and deadlines during an MBA can feel overwhelming. Learning how to organize and prioritize your time is key to keeping stress levels down.
“For some MBA students, it may be challenging to accept that they will not be able to do everything, so learning to prioritize is key,” says Levinska.
“Sometimes, you will need to make a choice between staying at home, attending a talk with an interesting guest speaker or socializing with peers. Of course, it is possible to do both, but it may mean less sleep.”
Don’t forget about the power of peer support, either. MBA programs can be competitive, but they also offer great opportunities to form strong bonds with your classmates.
Most schools have peer mentoring programs where you can connect with second-year students who’ve already navigated the challenges you’re facing.
“Relationship issues are the most common reason students come to seek psychological services, closely followed by anxiety and social pressures,” says Gisela Guttmann, associate director of psychological services at INSEAD business school.
“In addition to individual consultations, we also provide weekly mindfulness classes,” she adds. “We also offer workshops on stress management, burnout prevention and study strategies to help students manage their academic challenges effectively.”
From the start of its 10-month MBA program, INSEAD stresses setting realistic expectations, reminding students that balancing coursework, networking and personal life takes a great deal of prioritization.
Benefits of Limiting Social Media
“While FOMO (fear of missing out) is something many students experience, we often suggest limiting time spent on social media if it’s feeding into that feeling. The reality is, the MBA experience is packed with opportunities — there’s no way to do everything,” says Guttmann.
Frankfurt’s Levinska agrees.
“Remember, pursuing an MBA involves sacrifices. As a young professional in the beginning of your career path, you made a significant commitment by returning to school, moving to a new country, and leaving your job and family behind. This might mean missing some family events or spending weekends on class projects. It’s all part of the price of achieving your MBA, she says.
Ultimately, it’s important to not only work hard but also to take care of yourself along the way. These resources are there to help you thrive, not just survive, during your time in business school.
