A Relaxation and Coping Guide for Pre-Business School Students

A Relaxation and Coping Guide for Pre-Business School Students pixabay.com When it comes to post-undergrad planning, pre-business school students certainly have a lot on their plates. Between studying at all hours of the day and night for the GMAT and working to stay at the top of their games academically, socially, and professionally, those aiming for business school are always on the go. Yet, just like any other stressed-out college students, they deserve to power down every once in a while and simply breathe. If you are a pre-business student and find yourself periodically wanting to tear your hair out or cry, or both, you may benefit from some suggestions on relaxation. pixabay.com Get organized and get things done early With so much to do, it’s easy to feel constantly overwhelmed, overworked, and sleep-deprived. Having a schedule of priorities is paramount to your sanity, as it allows you to list out all your tasks and complete them in a timely manner. A planner or simply a notebook is a good place for you to jot down all your to-do’s. You may find it helpful to rank your tasks according to their importance and then plan out roughly how long each one will take. Once you’ve organized everything, you will have an easier time of looking at your tasks and knowing what you should do first. For some, getting organized even serves as motivation to tackle duties more quickly and efficiently. If you’re one of those people, you’ll probably feel immense relief and satisfaction after crossing off some of the bigger things on your list. By taking initiative with your responsibilities whether they are completing homework for your many business classes, taking time to study for the GMAT on your own, or preparing for an important interview you’ll be able to step out from under that gray cloud and enjoy the sunshine in your day. pixabay.com Take some time to yourself For busy pre-business students (or any college students, for that matter), setting aside time specifically to relax sounds absurd and unfeasible. But in many cases, the advantages of spending extra time to relax outweigh the time you ordinarily would have spent stressing over something. Even when it seems impossible, there is always a way to incorporate some “me time” into your day. If you prefer to start out small, set aside 10 minutes to do something different from whatever you’ve constantly been doing. Tired of being chained to your desk with your computer and books? Go for a quick walk outside and enjoy the sun on your face; chat with a friend for a few minutes to get some human interaction. Feeling drained from constant networking in your business clubs and organizations? Retreat to a quiet space and recharge yourself, perhaps by listening to music or reading a good book. You know yourself best, so don’t hesitate to reflect on what the most effective, life-giving relaxation options are for you. After you’ve allowed your mind and soul to truly rest, you’ll hopefully feel significantly more energized, fresh, and prepared to tackle the rest of your responsibilities. Spend time with friends preferably not in a business or academic setting At this point, you may have spent so much time in the same atmosphere, surrounded by the same people and doing the same things, that you’re dying to be in a new environment, at least for a little while. If most of your friends are from the business realm of your life, make it a point not to discuss business-related things while you’re out having fun (unless, of course, you want to talk about business, which is perfectly fine!) Hanging out with friends from other parts of your life is a bonus: you’ll be exposed to the new details of their lives, rather than the same thing you’ve been thinking about or stressing over for much too long. By spending just a few hours in their world talking, laughing, and joking, you can temporarily take your mind off your own situation and simply enjoy the moment. pixabay.com On the flip side, talk to someone such as a mentor, parent, professor, friend, etc. about your business school goals Having someone to turn to so you can voice your ideas and worries, as well as receive advice and support from someone about your business-related ambitions, can lift a huge weight off your shoulders. Talk to someone who has experience and knowledge relevant to what you want to accomplish with your MBA. Perhaps visit one of your business professors during office hours, or approach a trusted mentor or friend for support and advice. Also, don’t knock the idea of asking your parents for help. Even if they don’t necessarily have a similar background as yours or know much about the corporate world, they know you and are sure to offer some wise words that you can take to heart. Learn more about Kaplan’s test prep options and start building the confidence you need for Test Day.