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This time of year can be tricky for many. School is busy. Recruiting might be taking large chunks of time. Holidays are coming up. Lots of travel is on the horizon.

Then come the "shoulds".

• I should be relaxed, I have a job.
• My friends are doing X, shouldn’t I be doing the same?
• I should be going home for the holidays, but I really need a break.
• I should sign this offer – I’m lucky to have it and I shouldn’t have doubts. But...
• I should be exploring this business idea while I still have time.
• I should be saving money. I should be spending money.
• I’m a student and I sacrificed a lot to be here. I should be happy.

You get the idea.

If you’re managing all of the stresses gracefully, awesome. See the five-minute to-do item below – it’s still helpful. If, however, you find yourself struggling in any way, please know that there are a lot of people who experience the same thing this time of year.

This week, we'll provide some perspective on how to manage the mental grind. And we will pause to share our gratitude for the many clients who have built or shared mental health resources over the years.

The 100 Week Sprint team

Got 5 minutes? Write an email to a loved-one. Just provide an update on what you are doing. Reconnecting with people outside of your MBA experience will help you feel more grounded.

Got 30 minutes? Go for a walk in your neighborhood or a favorite part of your city. Reconnect with the real world around you. Bonus points if you can take some pictures to share with others, or print them out!

Got an hour? Organize your digital photos. It will remind you of some of the amazing experiences you have had so far, and the great times still to come!

Second year - tougher than many think

Second year can feel deceptively heavy: you’re “supposed” to have it figured out, but the pressure shifts instead of disappearing. Recruiting outcomes, internship return offers, club leadership, academics, and the constant social churn can combine into a low-grade stress that’s easy to normalize. If you’re noticing irritability, numbness, trouble sleeping, or you’re always “on” but never present, treat that as a signal—not a character flaw. Mental health isn’t something you manage after you’ve crossed everything off your list; it’s part of how you stay functional, connected, and capable of making good decisions.

Start by reconnecting with the basics. Aim for a consistent sleep window, movement you can actually maintain (for instance, a 30-minute walk around your favorite part of your city), and meals that are more deliberate about what you are eating. Then compartmentalize your time: block 2-3 “no-meeting/no-networking” sessions during the week for deep work and recovery, and protect them like you would a coffee chat with a dream company. Predictability can help calm your nerves.

Second year is also when comparisons with peers can get tougher. You’ll see peers announce offers, startups, fellowships, relationships, and “best year ever” posts while you may feel uncertain or behind in some aspects of your life. When you feel that way, check in with one trusted friend, call home, or talk to a coach/therapist—someone who helps you reality-test instead of perform. Build a short list of fast resets (ten minutes outside, a quick workout, journaling, prayer/meditation, music) and use it before you try to “power through.” You’re not weak for needing regulation; you’re human.

Missed a week or two? Click here for our article archives.

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