On July 15, 2025, the National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) Pakistan held a wellness-centered training session titled “Stretch to Unstress – A Stress Management Workshop” at its Karachi Campus. This initiative reflects a growing awareness within the banking sector of the need to address employee mental well-being as a core component of professional development. The workshop was specifically tailored for officers of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), who often face high-stakes responsibilities in a demanding financial environment.
The session was facilitated by Ms. Uroosa Mohsin, a certified wellness coach and well-known mental health advocate, recognized for her commitment to promoting psychological resilience and emotional balance in corporate settings. Her session focused on practical techniques that banking professionals can use to decompress and regain focus amidst daily pressures.
Through a series of interactive exercises, mindfulness activities, and guided movement practices, participants were introduced to stress-relief methods aimed at improving concentration, reducing fatigue, and fostering a healthier mindset. Ms. Mohsin emphasized the importance of consistent self-care and physical mobility in maintaining peak cognitive function, especially for individuals in decision-making roles.
The workshop explored the connection between body and mind, and how conscious stretching, breathing techniques, and mental de-cluttering can support professionals in sustaining productivity without compromising their well-being. Attendees were also guided through routines they can integrate into their workdays to mitigate burnout and reduce the effects of sedentary work habits.
This initiative by NIBAF marks a shift in institutional training dynamics, expanding beyond traditional banking subjects into the realm of holistic development. By providing space for wellness and mental health discourse, the organization is supporting the long-term sustainability of the workforce in Pakistan’s central banking system.
Participants expressed strong appreciation for the session’s relevance and acknowledged its importance, particularly in the high-pressure landscape of regulatory banking. Many described the session as timely, noting that work-life balance and emotional resilience are becoming critical pillars in personal and professional growth.
NIBAF’s decision to include mental wellness in its programming aligns with global best practices, where financial institutions are increasingly recognizing the tangible benefits of emotional intelligence and mental fitness in risk management, strategic planning, and organizational leadership.
As banking institutions evolve to meet the challenges of a rapidly transforming financial world, supporting the human element becomes essential. With leaders like Uroosa Mohsin contributing to the conversation, and platforms like NIBAF facilitating these dialogues, the sector takes a significant step toward embedding wellness into its operational culture.
Through programs like “Stretch to Unstress,” NIBAF reaffirms its role not only as a hub for technical excellence but also as a champion of human-centric growth within Pakistan’s banking ecosystem.