Let’s look at the times when students are waiting for exam results or degree classifications. Waiting for exam results can be an anxiety-inducing experience, especially in contrast to the joy of reaching the end of exam season and celebrating with a night out and getting ready for a summer holiday.
After a fun and relaxing trip, you’re likely riding a wave of positive emotions. You’ve relaxed, seen new places, and enjoyed quality time with family or friends who you haven’t spent so much time with recently due to exams. Getting outside and the sun, sea, and adventure helps to bring a better mood, and free your mind from academic stress.
However, as the holiday draws to a close, reality can set in. You pack your bags and get ready to come home. Suddenly, the carefree days are replaced by the realisation of looming results. The transition from leisure to responsibility can be jarring. Your mood can shift from elation to apprehension.
How can we manage these emotions during this suspenseful period?
The Waiting Game
Now, imagine waiting for your exam results. It can feel like being in mid-air, unsure of where you’ll land. Some questions popping into your head could be:
- Did I study enough?
- Did I make silly mistakes?
- What if I have false confidence about my work?
- Was the effort worth it?
The Emotional Roller Coaster
As the days pass, you may feel your mood fluctuate. Anxiety can creep in, and you can replay moments from the exam, or try not to think about it. You might even catastrophise — imagining some highly unlikely worst-case scenario. The anticipation might take over at times, affecting your sleep, appetite and overall well-being.
Coping Strategies
- Distraction: Engage in activities that divert your focus. Plan days out or a learning a new skill as a summer challenge. Take up an easy summer job or volunteering. Read a book, offer to help someone or learn how to cook something new. Keeping your mind occupied helps to keep things in perspective.
- Self-Compassion: Remind yourself that everyone experiences this waiting period. Be kind to yourself: you did your best given the circumstances. Any worries are likely to be overblown.
- Talk It Out: It’s always important to share your feelings with friends and/or family. Almost everyone (including yourself!) has already been through the same experiences multiple times. They will understand, provide reassurance and will be happy to join in with any of the distraction activities mentioned above.
- Mindfulness: Practising mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, walking and yoga help to manage anxiety. Try to recognise and address habits which add to your mental load, such as social media. The “One Sec” app is a great way to interrupt and reduce social media addiction.
- Consider Your Options: No-one knows exactly what the future holds. Take a few seconds to think what you would do if your results go either way. Who would you talk to? How can you stay ready and organised? You can keep things in perspective and there are always different opportunities in every situation.
Remember, it’s totally normal to feel this way. Acknowledge your emotions, but don’t let them consume you. Soon, the results will arrive, and you’ll move forward, regardless of the outcome. However, if these feelings do feel like they are becoming all consuming or overwhelming, remeber to talk to someone and work out what support you need.
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