Waiting for exam results: how to cope

We’ve all been there: had a gruelling set of exams, stressed for what seems hours upon end, looked forward to freedom, and finally come out the other side. However, hate to dampen the mood, is the stress really over? For some, the period between your last exam and results day is probably the most stressful. You’re waiting for the results which can determine future endeavours while often finding yourself wracked with worry. Fear not. I am here to offer you some advice to hopefully keep that worry at bay.

It’s over, there is nothing you can do.

Get some perspective, the exams are over and there is literally nothing you can do. Sorry folks, you can’t just ring up the exams office and plead with them to up your grades. It just isn’t happening. One of the best pieces of advice I ever received was, ‘change what you can, accept what you can’t’. This is 100% true for this period of time. You cannot change what has happened in the past, as much as you might want to. So, accept it. Whatever will be, will be: c’est la vie.

Get a reality check.

However, as much as I am telling you to remember you cannot change what is already done, it is important to get some perspective. I know it isn’t a very good thing to do for your own self confidence, but ask yourself some questions like, what is the worst that could happen? What is the reality if I completely fail these exams? What will I have to do?

It might not actually be that bad because you might realise it won’t be that awful if you completely fail. Worst case scenario, you might have to re sit an exam. However, it might be a case of working really hard next year to bring your average up. Whatever the outcome, it’s totally do-able, I promise.

Distract yourself and celebrate.

Go on, you deserve it. You have worked incredibly hard and I have all the faith in the world in you. However, you still deserve a break and a celebration. Whatever stage you are at in your education, it’s a big thing finishing a year. Distraction is always a good thing as it lets you get away from the stress of exams for a while, something we all need.

For my Nottingham friends, read last Friday’s blog on ‘how to spend your free time in Nottingham now exams are over‘ for some great ideas about what to do in the city. Whatever you chose to do, have an amazing time!