How to ease anxiety when waiting for exam results

Waiting for your exam results can be stressful. According to the Mpumalanga Department of Education, the anxiety and pressure you feel lead to worry and fear of uncertainty.

According to the department, it is normal to feel these emotions and you are certainly not alone.

Here are six ways to help you cope with the stress of waiting for your exam results according to the department:

1. Keep calm.

When you feeling overwhelmed, stop and take a deep breath. When you are relaxed you are able to think clearly.

2. Get moving.

Exercise is a good way to relieve stress. Go for a walk or a run, or play a game of soccer with your friends. Exercise will release endorphins and help combat feelings of depression and anxiety.
3. Look out for your friends.

If you notice that they are irritable, express sudden changes in behaviour or isolate themselves, cannot sleep or have lost their appetite, encourage them to talk to someone about their feelings.

ALSO READ: How to register for 2019 matric results with the help of Caxton Local Media and the DBE

4. Get your results directly from your school.

Do not receive your results via SMS, online or looking in the newspaper. Rather go to your school. If you have not done well or failed a few subjects, you can immediately speak to your principal and see what options are available. You could possibly request a remark or apply to write the supplementary exam.
5. Stay positive and formulate a plan of action.

Remember that success is not always about achieving the best, but is often how you accept challenges, solve problems and continue with determination to succeed. Decide on your Plan A and formulate a backup plan in case your first plan does not succeed.

ALSO READ: This is what Gilbert’s year was like

You can contact the DESTINY Helpline for Youth and Students:
Operating hours: Monday – Friday, 08:00 – 20:00. They offer free telephone counselling.
Toll-free number: 0800-41-42-43.