Beat matric results anxiety
While this is undeniably a stressful period, there are a few things one can do while waiting for their results.
The matric class of 2020 has faced what was arguably one of the most difficult schooling years.
Having to complete the year amid the Covid-19 pandemic could not have been an easy task.
Between all the self-study, anxiety, stress and writing their final exams, last year’s matrics are now faced with the challenge of waiting longer for their results (which is scheduled for 22 February 2021).
While this is undeniably a stressful period, there are a few things one can do while waiting for their results.
1. Keep yourself busy:
As difficult as it may seem, keeping yourself occupied is one of the best ways to stop yourself from overthinking and making yourself anxious over your results.
Get back into your old hobbies, read books, spring clean, watch TV or just relax. Use this time to do all the things that you couldn’t do while you were studying.
Photo: Unsplash
2. Make sure your plans for this year are still applicable:
Whether you are opting to study, do an internship, work or remain at home you need to make sure that they are still viable options as we are living in uncertain times.
Furthering your studies during a pandemic has proven to be a task, after the rollercoaster that some last year’s students experienced.
If you plan on going to a full-time tertiary institution, perhaps speak to students from last year and to find out if they coped.
Photo: Unsplash
Ask if they received the necessary support and if it was a manageable experience. Make sure that you are aware of what to expect, especially mid-pandemic.
If you were planning to work or do an internship, double-check that everything is in order by getting in touch with the people who are in charge.
Confirm everything as plans on their side might have changed due to the second wave of Covid-19. Do not wait for them to contact to you as by then it might be too late.
It is better to be well-prepared instead of under-prepared.
3. Talk to your friends:
Who better to understand how you’re feeling than your friends? Share your emotions and coping mechanisms. Similarly, look out for changed behaviour in your friends.
If they seem out of character or overwhelmed, encourage them to talk about how they’re feeling as this could help ease their anxiety.
Photo: Unsplash
4. Do not replay the exam in your mind:
It can be tempting to revisit your question papers however this isn’t always a good idea. The exam is over and there is nothing you can do to change whatever the outcome will be.
5. Use this time to mentally prepare yourself:
Whether you are highly doubting yourself or feeling secure about your results, it is best to be prepared for any outcome. You must accept the fact that there is a possibility of things turning out differently from what you expected.
On the day that your results come out, double-check your results in school. Sometimes there can be a misprint in the newspaper or on your phone. Too often, rash decisions are made by learners because they think they did badly when they actually received the wrong results.
Additionally, while you are at school on that day, use the time to speak to your teachers or principal as they can advise you on what steps to take based on the outcome of your results.
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