How Yoga Changed My Approach at B-School

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How Yoga Changed My Approach at B-School

11 Nov 2024
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Hi, I’m Thanmayee U Holla, and I’m currently pursuing a PGPM batch of 2025 in Finance at SOIL Institute of Management. As a one-year MBA student, I quickly discovered how intense and fast-paced the curriculum can be. With projects, assignments, group discussions, and exams all crammed into a short time, balancing everything was exhausting. From the very first weeks, it was clear that managing stress would be crucial to not only survive but thrive in this environment. That’s when I discovered something unexpected: yoga. It wasn’t a regular yoga class I’d signed up for; instead, it was part of our school’s curriculum, designed to help us manage stress, stay focused, and care for our overall well-being.

At first, I was surprised that yoga was even included in our MBA schedule, given that time was always short. Our yoga sessions were held at the end of the day, which felt like an unusual time for physical activity since we were usually pretty drained by then. But once we started, I noticed the immediate impact it had on all of us. Each class focused on different aspects of yoga, from gentle stretches that helped relieve tension to breathing exercises that calmed our minds. As we went through these movements, I realized that it wasn’t about intense physical training or fitness; it was about understanding and connecting with our own bodies and minds.

After each yoga session, my classmates and I would leave the class feeling relaxed and lighter, with our stress melting away. Even if I had a project deadline or an upcoming exam, I felt clearer and less overwhelmed. That’s when I started to understand the real value of yoga beyond its physical benefits. These classes taught me the importance of decluttering my mind, letting go of worries for a few minutes, and allowing myself to just be present.

One of the biggest lessons I learned was the power of breathing. In yoga, we practiced different breathing exercises, or “pranayama,” which helped us manage stress and focus better. This simple act of taking a deep breath, holding it, and then releasing it slowly helped me control my stress levels. I found that by focusing on my breath, I could calm my mind, even on days when everything seemed overwhelming. It was a reminder that sometimes, instead of rushing or stressing over deadlines, it’s okay to take a moment to just breathe and relax.

Over time, I noticed that the few minutes I dedicated to yoga each day had a big impact on my productivity. Clearing my mind of distracting thoughts made me more focused in my classes and allowed me to study with a clear head. I was able to tackle projects with better concentration and even found myself approaching challenges with a calm and balanced perspective.

Another valuable lesson yoga taught me was the importance of movement. With our busy schedules, we tend to sit for hours, whether it’s in the classroom, library, or on our laptops working on assignments. But when we move our bodies, our minds can quiet down and focus. This quieting effect was something I hadn’t expected but grew to appreciate as it helped me prioritize and organize my thoughts, keeping me mentally prepared for the demands of the MBA program.

Though our yoga sessions only lasted for a brief period in the curriculum, the lessons I learned have stayed with me. Since then, I’ve tried to find small pockets of time in my day to practice yoga, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Those few minutes make all the difference in clearing my mind and preparing me to handle the rest of the day with focus and energy.

Looking back, I never would have guessed that yoga would become such an essential part of my MBA journey. It taught me that self-care, even in small amounts, can help us perform better, feel happier, and approach our goals with a positive and focused mindset.

Thanmayee U Holla

PGPM’25 – Finance