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Can Over-Studying Negatively Impact One's Health?

To Whom It May Concern,

Hello! I am currently preparing for the GMAT ( The Graduate Management Admission Test), and the preparation is very strenuous and stressful. I study many hours a day (about 11) and it's going pretty well.

I did want to ask, however, if such preparation can have negative impacts on my health? It's not easy to study that much and even though I am eating healthy, exercising, and taking breaks, I am under great pressure. I can feel my head hurting and I am aware that stress can cause several diseases, cancer among them.

There isn't any other way to prepare for such exam - it requires a lot for a reason.

So I just wanted to know if this preparation or this exam is damaging to one's health? In other words, is there any correlation between studying so hard (and exerting oneself) to getting diseases such as cancer?

Thank you!
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Avatar universal
Hey! I believe since it's for a short period, that is, till the exam gets over, you won't have to worry about it. If you are feeling strenuous although you take regular breaks and exercise, it could possibly because of the mentality. You could be taking this so hard on yourself. May be thinking it as the only shot you have got. Such attitude can create pressure which will affect your preparation and hence your result. What I suggest is start practicing meditation and taking power naps. This will refresh your mind and make you peaceful and help you with your preparation in a better way. Don't worry this won't cause any physical damage. All the best for your exam.
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1 Comments
Thank you all, I really appreciate it. The thing is that I have been like this for 2.5 years now; I am so stressed over my undergraduate degree. I put a lot of effort into it, and I am concerned. I do take as many breaks as possible (it not only the GMAT), but I can't help but feeling stress. I just want to know I am not damaging my health.
973741 tn?1342342773
I think when you are studying for something really big for that, it can be very tiring and you can get really anxious.  Doing it over time helps make it less stressful.  But none the less, it is a tedious process preparing for huge tests.  But worth it!  You'll be happy you spent this time as it will surely pay off.  I agree to take breaks.  Eat healthy snacks, avoid caffeine to stay away (there is a crash after caffeine), get rest when it is time, exercise every day, etc.  I don't think it is damaging, just challenging.  good luck
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Thank you all, I really appreciate it. The thing is that I have been like this for 2.5 years now; I am so stressed over my undergraduate degree. I put a lot of effort into it, and I am concerned. I do take as many breaks as possible (it not only the GMAT), but I can't help but feeling stress. I just want to know I am not damaging my health.
363281 tn?1643235611
COMMUNITY LEADER
Hello~Short episodes such as you are experiencing by studying for an important exam, will not cause cancer, it is when a person in under continuous stress for many months and years. You are doing the right things by eating properly, exercise and taking small breaks.  The headache is due to tension in your neck, once all the studying is over and you are relaxed, it will get better.

Good luck on your exam.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Thank you all, I really appreciate it. The thing is that I have been like this for 2.5 years now; I am so stressed over my undergraduate degree. I put a lot of effort into it, and I am concerned. I do take as many breaks as possible (it not only the GMAT), but I can't help but feeling stress. I just want to know I am not damaging my health.
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