Waiting for your Results? Here's how to look after yourself
It’s almost exam result time and for many, an anxious wait begins leading up to results day.
The weeks between finishing your exams and waiting for your exam results can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. On the one hand, it’s time to celebrate and relax - your exams are finished and it’s time to relax and enjoy the summer break.
On the other, it’s completely normal to experience uncertainty, worry and anxiety as you wait to find out what’s next.
Feeling worried doesn't mean the outcome will be negative though, it simply says how much you care about your future.
Focus on what you can control
So how can we deal with those feelings on the lead up to results day?
Whilst it's easy to become consumed by the "what if" thoughts, now is a perfect time to focus on what you can control: your health and wellbeing.
Looking after your mind and body during the wait can help to reduce stress and ensure you’re in the best possible place, no matter what the results may be.
Prioritise the things that you can control by:
Keeping a routine - try to stick to your usual daily routine such as waking up at a consistent time, eating meals and exercising, a good structure can reduce anxiety.
Limiting the “what if” thinking - if you notice yourself replaying thoughts about your exams or the results, try and redirect your attention to something you are doing in the present moment.
Planning for different outcomes - having a rough idea of what you might want to do if your exam results are different to what you expected can help you feel more prepared.
Reminding yourself that your results don’t define you - having a healthy mantra can help you feel more positive. Remember, exams do not define you or your value as a person.
Practicing the Five Ways to Wellbeing - looking after yourself isn't just about managing how you feel in the moment; it's also about building habits that support your long-term wellbeing. The Five Ways to Wellbeing offer a simple and effective framework for staying mentally and emotionally healthy, helping you maintain a positive sense of wellbeing every day.
A few other things to focus on
There are a few other quick wins to help you manage feelings of worry and anxiety. They may all sound obvious but it’s good to be reminded to prioritise them, especially right now. Think of it as giving your mental health some TLC:
💤 Prioritising your sleep
🤸 ♂️ Staying active and spending some time outdoors
🍽 ️ Making sure you eat regularly and stay hydrated
🚴 Finding time for any activities that help you relax and recharge
In combination, these can really make a positive difference to how you feel in your mind and body.
And when results day comes…
🎉Celebrate yourself, whatever the outcome! Completing your exams is a huge achievement in itself. Many young people have faced significant challenges throughout their education, yet you've persevered and reached this milestone.
No matter what your results say, take a moment to recognise how far you've come and be proud of your hard work.
If you're struggling
If you're feeling overwhelmed while waiting for your exam results or having received your results, don't struggle alone. Reach out to someone you trust and remember that your wellbeing matters far more than any grade on a page. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
For one-to-one support from a trained professional, we are here to help. We’ll work with you to identify and implement positive changes to improve how you feel and equip you with coping strategies to help you move forward.
Anyone in Norfolk and Waveney aged 16 or over can self-refer online for free support (you don’t need to see your GP or have an existing diagnosis).
Alternatively you can self-refer by phone on 0300 123 1503 or ask your GP to refer you.
Thankyou for reading!
