Tips to stay healthy and motivated during MBA journey

Hong Kong has everything for a great hike – landscape, nature, and weather. It is also an amazing place for sports – there are many playgrounds and the infrastructure is great. Moreover, university facilities are convenient and in great condition.

Do you enjoy physical activity? Under the unprecedented pandemic era, people are more conscious of their health and well-being. However, physical activity levels are generally low. Many of us are sitting or lying down for long periods of time, for instance at work and commuting. Also, a lot of our downtime is spent on electric devices, scrolling through social media, binge-watching our favourite programmes or playing games. Physical inactivity can also place a burden on the health system and lead to premature death or disability. If we are active, not only are we likely to reduce body fat but reduce our risk of obesity and disease. Our overall mental health and wellbeing are also likely to improve. 

Today, the HKU MBA team meets with Karolis Navickas, a full-time HKU MBA student, class of 2022.

HKU MBA: Tell us a little about your MBA journey and what activities you have particularly enjoyed during your MBA.    
Karolis Navickas: In the past few months, I started to do yoga and play basketball. It turned my life around. When I was a child, I played football and did athletics (running) professionally. Additionally, I played basketball and handball, did judo, and even did weight lifting. After trying many sports, I grew tired and turned to act instead. It was not the same but still helped me practice physical activity. I felt that taking part in sport helped me focus better on my studies and made me feel healthier in general. Most of the time, when taking part in sport, my mind becomes lighter and I feel more motivated.      

HKU MBA: How did you find these physical activities?    
Karolis Navickas: I very much enjoy playing basketball with HKU Business School MBA classmates and doing yoga at home. In December we had our first official basketball game as the HKU MBA team. Playing on the court was an amazing experience with palm trees, nice weather, and great friends! I will remember this experience for a long time. I believe that these activities, combined with MBA studies, make our journey at HKU priceless.

HKU MBA: What benefits do you feel after exercising?
Karolis Navickas: I feel that, most importantly, sport helps me be more engaged, productive, and motivated in other areas of my life – such as career development and studying. When people ask how exercise helps me, the answer is simple:

• Your health could be better
• You can make new friends with the same interests
• It can  help to increase productivity in other areas of your life (work, study, personal life)

HKU MBA: How do you find time for exercise during your MBA studies?
Karolis Navickas: I strongly believe that if you want to do something, you can find the time. It is not about time in general, but about time management and prioritising. Our schedule at HKU MBA is very intense, but most of the time I practise yoga in the morning before classes. Finding time for basketball is easy – I play at the weekends or after afternoon classes. I think that HK is an amazing place for sports – there are many playgrounds and the infrastructure is great. Moreover, university facilities are convenient and in great condition.    

HKU MBA: Hong Kong is known for its hikes and trials. Do you go for hikes?
Karolis Navickas: Absolutely, yes! I like to explore new areas, enjoy great weather, and spend time in nature. Hong Kong has everything for a great hike – landscape, nature, and weather. One weekend you can go to an island, another up the Victoria Peak trail. There are many places to suit every ability. Usually, I do 10-15 km hikes in the New Territories or different islands. After the hike, I love to enjoy great local food and explore more of the city.