Managing your anxiety while applying for your MBA
Throughout the years, we’ve talked to many anxious applicants who don’t know how to get rid of their anxiety during applications processes. Sometimes, they can’t even identify what they’re suffering from as anxiety; they think they’re just sick or are developing some serious illness. The good news is that anxiety is actually a very common condition and can be managed. This blogpost advises you on how to deal with anxiety while applying for your MBA.
1. Stop feeling dumb
The most important thing you must work on is simply giving yourself a break. Many students tell us they feel “foolish” for being anxious about an MBA application. Actually, applying for an MBA is hard. Firstly, preparing for the GMAT, GRE or the Executive Assessment takes up many hours of study that you’ll have to find amidst a busy professional and personal schedule. Secondly, revising your CV and writing your application essays forces you to confront your past and evaluate successes and failures while outlining a brilliant future that you probably aren’t quite sure of. You may feel insecure, like any normal person who’s trying to achieve an important goal. Thirdly, some of the documents in your application depend on someone else’s judgment (such as recommendations or reports on personal interviews); this can lead to a sense of powerlessness. Summing up – and regardless of what your friends and family may think – applying for an MBA is an understandable cause for anxiety. Embrace this and adopting anxiety-coping techniques will be a lot easier.
2. Ask the doctor
Most of the time, applicants’ anxiety isn’t a condition to worry a lot about: better or worse, the process of applying for an MBA ends and so do the symptoms of the anxiety it provoked. Just in case, however, visit your doctor or make an appointment with a mental health professional you trust. Explain clearly what you’re going through, how you feel and how your body’s been behaving. Good communication will help eliminate other possible causes for your symptoms and contribute to advising actually suited to your personality and lifestyle.
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3. Be a good sport
Staying active is one of the best things you can do in times of stress. Even a simple 10-minute walk can immediately lift your mood! The explanation is simple: physical activity releases endorphins, the “feel-good” brain chemicals that act as natural painkillers and also contribute to better sleep. Practicing sports on a regular basis and with moderate intensity has many other benefits, such as improving general health and promoting social interaction, but in this context, we must underline that it will not only help you manage anxiety – it actually prevents it!
4. Meditate
There are many meditation techniques you can try, so don’t be afraid of “shopping around” for the one that works for you. In general, regular meditation helps decrease the negative effects of cortisol, the hormone produced by stress (lack of sleep, chest pain, sweating, etc.). Doctors and scientists point out that it also develops a more positive outlook on life and that it’s linked to emotional stability. Meditation also prevents anxiety as well as treating it, yet it must be learned, so allow yourself enough time to master it in order to reap its benefits.
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5. Just say no!
Alcohol, excess coffee and illegal substances are never good for you – but you already know this. What you may not know is that they dramatically increase anxiety levels in stressful times, meaning it’s wise to avoid them while you’re applying for an MBA. Don’t worry: you’ll have plenty of occasions to share a drink with your fellow students once you get in!
As always, please reach out to our team if you have comments or queries and feel free to download our ebook below.
