How to Prioritize Self-Care During Your Online MBA (Without Losing Your Mind)

Let’s be real—juggling an Online MBA with work, family, and a social life is like trying to spin plates while riding a unicycle. At some point, something’s going to crash.

 

I remember my first semester. I was excited, motivated, and… completely overwhelmed. Between midnight case studies, back-to-back Zoom meetings, and my dog giving me the “Why haven’t you walked me in three days?” look, I realized something: If I didn’t start taking care of myself, I wasn’t going to make it.

 

Self-care isn’t just bubble baths and scented candles (though those are nice). It’s about survival. So, if you’re drowning in assignments, chugging your fourth coffee of the day, or wondering if sleep is just a myth, this guide is for you.

 

Why Self-Care Isn’t Selfish (And Why MBA Students Ignore It)

We tell ourselves:

 

“I’ll sleep when I graduate.”

 

“I don’t have time for the gym—I have a financial modeling exam!”

 

“Eating cold pizza at 2 AM counts as a meal, right?”

 

But here’s the truth: Ignoring self-care backfires. Burnout doesn’t just make you tired—it kills creativity, ruins focus, and turns group projects into nightmares.

 

The good news? You don’t have to choose between your MBA and your sanity.

 

5 Realistic Self-Care Strategies for Online MBA Students

1. Set Boundaries (Or Your Laptop Will Own You)

Online MBAs are flexible—which means work can creep into every part of your life. I used to check discussion boards while brushing my teeth. (Not a good look.)

 

Try this instead:

 

Designate a “study zone” (not your bed!)

 

Turn off notifications after 8 PM (yes, even from your study group)

 

Batch your tasks (e.g., “I’ll answer emails from 4-5 PM, then I’m done”)

 

2. Move Your Body (No, Walking to the Fridge Doesn’t Count)

Sitting for hours = stiff neck, foggy brain, and a bad mood.

 

Quick fixes:

 

Pomodoro stretches – Every 25 minutes, stand up and touch your toes (or just flail dramatically).

 

Walking meetings – Take calls while pacing your living room. Bonus: Your groupmates will think you’re very productive.

 

Yoga at your desk – Downward Dog optional but highly recommended.

 

3. Stop Comparing Yourself to “That” Classmate

You know the one—posting LinkedIn updates like “Just finished my thesis while running a startup and baking sourdough!”

 

Repeat after me: Their journey ≠ yours.

 

Mute toxic productivity accounts

 

Celebrate small wins (Submitted an assignment on time? Treat yourself to real food.)

 

4. Actually Sleep (Yes, Really)

Pulling all-nighters? Your brain retains info worse when exhausted.

 

Hack your sleep:

 

Blue light blocker glasses (or just stop scrolling TikTok in bed)

 

Power naps (20 minutes = magic)

 

“No screens” rule 30 mins before bed (Netflix can wait)

 

5. Stay Connected (But Not Just on Slack)

Online MBAs can feel lonely. I didn’t meet my classmates in person until graduation—and by then, we were all delirious from sleep deprivation.

 

How to stay human:

 

Virtual coffee chats (Camera on, pajama pants optional)

 

Join student groups (Even if it’s just memes about Excel hell)

 

Talk to non-MBA friends (They’ll remind you there’s a world outside case studies)

 

Online MBA Programs That Won’t Bankrupt You (Or Your Soul)

If you’re still shopping for programs, here’s the real talk on costs (because student loans are scary):

 

School Program Cost (Total) How Long? Best For

Indiana University (Kelley) Online MBA ~$82,000 2-4 years Career switchers

UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA@UNC ~$125,000 18-36 months Networking pros

University of Florida UF Online MBA ~$60,000 24 months Budget-conscious

ASU (Carey) Online MBA ~$60,000 21 months Tech lovers

Boston University Online MBA ~$24,000 24 months Fast & affordable

Pro Tip: Many schools offer employer discounts or scholarships. (My classmate got 20% off because her company had a deal—always ask!)

 

Final Thought: You’re More Than Your GPA

An MBA is temporary. Your health? That’s forever.

 

You don’t have to sacrifice wellness for success. Take the breaks. Eat the veggies. Call your mom. Your future self will thank you.

 

Now go hydrate—I know you haven’t had water in hours.

 

What’s your biggest struggle with self-care in your MBA? (Mine was forgetting to eat. RIP my metabolism.) Drop a comment below!