Our Lifestyle Editor, Kimberley Duffell, gives her advice about facing A-Level results day…
That time of the year is coming round again- the dreaded results day. For university students like myself, it’s a simple check online. But for those a year or so younger, it’s a daunting A3 envelope with some very crucial letters inside. These letters, be them A, B, C or even E dictate for some which university they’ll attend. If the anticipation is getting a bit too much, read these helpful tips to try and calm your nerves before the big day.
Try not to compare yourself to others!
It’s easy to become worried about your results compared to your peers. On days like results day, it’s important to remember everybody has their strengths and weaknesses. It’s imperative that you’re happy for yourself and focus on your own goals. We all have dreams and aspirations, but it’s a great idea to focus on making sure yours come true and give the green-eyed monster the kick! Everybody feels their own way about days like this. For all you know, your peers might very well be just as nervous as you are, so it’s a good idea to talk to them about it. They’re in the same boat after all… which leads me to my next tip.
Don’t hesitate to ask for support
Family, friends, whoever you think can help! Sometimes even teachers can be of help reassuring you this time of year. It’s a tough time, especially with all the anticipation you’ll be experiencing in these next few weeks. There’s no shame in asking for help if you’re feeling nervy! I for one had vivid dreams of receiving straight U’s on results day night after night and found that bringing a flask of herbal tea on a late-night stroll helps to ease anxiety, it’s important to find what works for you!
Keep yourself busy
Tying into what I said earlier, it’s good to keep busy and do things with friends. Coffee dates, hikes, even board game nights! (A personal favourite of mine) Giving yourself less time to dwell on the outcome of results day is healthy! It’s not a good idea to push all of your worries away, they’re worth addressing and dealing within a healthy manner, but spending your days daydreaming (or nightmare-ing in my experience) about results day is simply torturing yourself! I also found exercise to be a massive help! If you don’t have a gym membership, going for jogs or even following online exercise videos functions as excellent stress relief and will help you sleep easier to save you up worrying late at night too!
There’s nothing you can do now!
Okay, admittedly this seems a little harsh… But I’m hoping you find comfort in this fact. After all, sometimes tough love is just what you need. Whatever’s inside that envelope won’t change, no matter how much you stress and torture yourself. Now believe me when I say I’m a huge stress head, so I know this is easier said than done. Try and take a step back from the situation and realise the worst-case scenario. Best case scenario is that you get the results you were hoping for (if not better) and you attend the university of your choosing. The worst case is you’ve not quite met the grade requirements or you’ve failed. This seems daunting but remember that resits exist for a reason, as does clearing! So try not to be too hard on yourself, we’re all only young and things like A-level results should act as a learning curve.
