August can often be a stressful time of year for those eagerly awaiting exam results, with anxiety building the closer the big day looms. Just remember, it is natural to have a few butterflies, but you don’t want stress or nerves to be overwhelming, and there are a few thing you can do to help.
Stay busy and productive
The day before results day can seem long, with the minutes slowly ticking by, so the best way to combat this is by staying busy. You could ask your family or friends to help plan a day out, be it something as simple as a walk around the park or a big day trip somewhere. Quality time with friends who may be going through the same thing as you could also be beneficial.
If you don’t fancy heading out, then being productive at home could also help to take your mind off things. Bake a cake, help with dinner, tidy your room, have a big clear out or just get on with those tasks you keep putting off. Not only will you get jobs done, but they will take your mind off results day as you focus on other things.
Do something active
Exercising or doing something active releases endorphins, which naturally makes you happier. This doesn’t mean you have to run laps or do a workout, but just taking the dogs for a walk, playing with younger siblings or having a game on the Nintendo Switch can prove to be beneficial.
Stay healthy
Drinking plenty of water and eating healthily can make a surprising amount of difference to how you are feeling. Stay hydrated and make good food choices on the lead up to results day, as this can have a noticeable effect.
Although going to sleep may be the last thing on your mind, getting a good rest before getting your results can put you in a good frame of mind to face the day. Avoid too much caffeine or screen time before you are planning on going to bed.
Make a plan
Be organised, making a plan is actually one element that you can control. Make sure you know exactly where you need to be to pick up your results, what time you should be there and how you are going to get there.
Stress relieving techniques
Everyone deals with stress differently, but there are certain techniques that tend to help relieve stress and calm your mind.
- There are many adult colouring books currently available which are known to sooth the mind elevate stress.
- Have a warm bath or shower.
- Take a walk, this will give you a change of scenery, while also bringing the benefits of exercise.
- Breathing exercises are one of the easiest stress reduction practices. Sit down in a quiet place and just focus on your breathing.
Talk to people
If you are feeling anxious or stressed, sometimes the best thing you can do is talk about your feelings to those around you, be that a friend, a parent, a sibling, or anyone close to you. Those people are there to talk to you, and will understand why you are feeling worried. It may also be a good idea to talk to your friends, as it is likely that they will be feeling exactly the same as you are about getting their results.
Whatever happens, you have got this. Remember, your results are now something that is out of your control, and that’s okay. Some people will get the results that they want, and others won’t, so have a backup plan just in case which will give you another option.
