Five tips for managing work/life balance as an MBA student

Studying an MBA can take a lot of your focus, but it’s important to invest in yourself personally as well as professionally. Eating a healthy diet, exercising and getting a good night’s sleep are some of the best ways you can stay on top form. 

As difficult as it was to focus on preparing food sometimes, I tried to eat as healthy as possible and avoided lots of fizzy drinks, too much dairy and fried foods. I tried to add lots of salad, nuts, eggs and veggies to my diet for ultimate brain power. I also ate light meals four-five times a day instead of heavy meals, which usually makes me sleepy and lethargic. 

I think exercising is therapeutic. It is refreshing, lifts the mood, and makes me feel confident. Even a long walk qualifies as exercise, which effectively reduces stress.  

I can’t emphasise enough how important it is for me to get a minimum of six hours’ sleep every night. If I’m sleep-deprived, everything is a struggle for me. I avoid meeting people and joining group discussions, I eat unhealthy foods, spend a lot of time on social media and then I feel guilty for wasting so much time.  

Good sleep keeps me in good spirits and helps me to stay focused.  

Leaning on your friends, family, or partner can be extremely helpful when you’re stressed and in need of a break. I call up my father regularly and speak to him about my course and my ideas. After our conversations, I always feel better which motivates me to continue working harder toward my goals. 

I spend a lot of time with my MBA friends when we’re able to catch a break, watching movies together, sharing food and playing cards. When I’ve spent time with other people, I feel refreshed and ready to get back to my studies.  

Being part of a group you can depend on always leaves a good feeling in my body. I value my friends a lot and join them for as many hangouts as possible. 

Scrolling through my social media feed was the biggest waste of time. Some of my friends recommended that I delete Instagram, which I did, but then my screen time on YouTube increased. Practicing restraint and monitoring my screen time helps me to remain focused, sleep better and increases productivity.

I allocate a fixed time during the day to check my social media channels and stick to that time. For me, this has been the trickiest and the most difficult discipline to implement.  

In MBA education, there will be many things that are entirely new for you, and areas you’re stronger or weaker in. Asking for help when you need it means you will get the most out of your education, and allows you to continue growing. At my university, we had peer-to-peer sessions where students help each other to keep learning.  

Trying to figure everything out on your own isn’t effective. Working with others and asking your academics for more support can help you to quickly get past the parts you find difficult, and onto bigger things. 

There is no shame in asking for help and it’s beneficial for everybody involved.  

With some planning and a few techniques to manage your time, you’ll be able to get the most out of your MBA experience and take time for yourself.