Although university life is exciting, it can also become overwhelming. Between lectures, coursework assignments, group discussions, internships, and social commitments, students may often find themselves juggling multiple responsibilities. With the fast-approaching November examination season, the pressure is only going to increase. As students strive for academic excellence and career readiness, mental health may easily take a back seat. But here’s the truth, one’s mental well-being is just as important as one’s GPA.

Mental health affects how we think, feel, and behave. It influences our ability to manage stress, maintain relationships, and make decisions. For business students preparing to enter competitive markets, strong mental health is not a luxury- it’s a necessity.

According to the World Health Organization, one in four people will experience mental health challenges at some point in their lives. For university students, common issues include stress and anxiety, depression, and burnout from over commitment. Ignoring these signs can lead to poor academic performance, strained relationships, and even physical health problems.

However, this is just a small glimpse of what awaits students in the real world. The pressures of meeting deadlines, managing group projects, and balancing academics mirror the high- stakes environment of corporate life, where stress, competition, and constant change are the norm. So, developing resilience and coping strategies now is not only essential for academic success but also a critical investment in one’s future career. By learning to manage stress effectively, students can build the foundation for thriving in demanding workplaces and leadership roles after graduation.

So how can students beat stress? First and foremost, they need to create a balanced schedule and avoiding cramming everything into one day. Planners and apps may be used to organize tasks with inbuilt breaks. Furthermore, students need to be active. Introverted tendencies can intensify the adverse impact of mental health challenges while physical exercise boosts mood and reduces stress. Attending a campus event, playing a sport, or simply taking a walk is activity enough. This may be complemented by building a support network through talking to friends, joining student clubs, or participating in group discussions.

In addition, students need to practice mindfulness. Experts report that practicing just 10 minutes of daily mindfulness significantly eases depression and anxiety symptoms. Simple breathing exercises or meditation can help calm one’s mind. Apps like Headspace or Calm may be used as a guide. However, most importantly, one should seek professional help.

MUBS offers counseling services at the Student Affairs Office. So, students should not hesitate to reach out. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

One’s mental health is the foundation of one’s success. A healthy mind creates a healthy body, a thriving student and a future leader. So, students should take a moment today, check in with themselves, seek support when needed, and remember, that they are not alone.

By Chris Kisuuki

MBA Year 2 Strategy and Communication student