A level results day 2017 tips: How to deal with stress and anxiety

Thursday August 17 is the big day
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Hannah Morrish16 August 2017

For anyone who has just done their A Levels, Thursday August 17 is the day you'll have marked out in your calendar - and it's probably something you're dreading.

It's A Level Results Day - the day which determines which or if you go to university, and potentially the rest of your life.

Here, to keep any stress and anxiety at bay, psychotherapist at The Student Room Hannah Morrish shares her tips for getting through it.

"It’s vital you look after yourself," says morrish, "You’ll need to feel steady on your feet when you’re finally given that exam results envelope to open."

Take control of your results day

You did everything you could during your exams, now it’s time to prepare for the big day. Make sure you know when you can collect your results, and have all your UCAS details ready if you’re applying for university. Consider having a plan in place in case things haven’t turned out the way you hoped, as this will save you a lot of stress on the day.

Food for focus

Try to eat food that’s going to help you feel calm and energised - a balanced diet of whole foods, plenty of fruit and vegetables, healthy fats and protein. Not eating enough can affect your sleep and mood negatively, which can make results day feel even more overwhelming.

Try not to fuel your nerves with caffeine and sugar

If you’re already feeling anxious, consider taking it easy on the caffeine and sugary snacks. Although delicious, these treats can spike your blood sugar, making your emotions spiral and leaving you feeling even more frazzled and nervous about the day ahead.

Don’t forget to breathe

If you start to feel worried, take some time out to focus on your heart’s natural rhythm while breathing deeply in and out for 5-6 seconds. This activates the body’s natural relaxation response. It also sends powerful signals to our brain that we are OK, which helps us to reduce anxiety and to feel more positive. This technique is even more effective if you visualise a beautiful place or happy memory at the same time.

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Everyone will be caught up with their own results drama

No matter how brave a face your friends put on, one of their biggest worries will be that everyone else does well and they don’t. Try to focus fully on your own results, your aspirations and goals, and give everyone else the space or support they need on the day.

Opening your results alone is OK

Make decisions for you. If opening your results in private feels like the best option, make sure you do it. Your family really won’t mind and your friends are probably planning the same. If you change your mind at the last minute, that’s ok too.

Don't feel pressured to share grades with others or online if you don't want to

Your emotions will have been bubbling under the surface for a long time and there is no way of knowing how you’ll react when you open the results envelope. If things haven’t quite gone to plan, take all the time you need. Remember, that everyone that cares about you will respect your decision not to share right now. Talk about it when you’re ready.

Find out more at thestudentroom.co.uk

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