7 Tips for Dealing with Anxiety as You Wait for Matric Final Exam Results

The final matric exams might be drawing to a close, but the anxiety of waiting for results can feel like a whole new test. It is expected that one will feel excited, nervous, and even dreadful as the date of results release draws near. After all, the Matric results may determine your future plans, be it at university, on the job market, or with other aspirations.

If you feel overwhelmed waiting for your Matric results, then you are not alone. This article will look at practical ways of dealing with the stress and anxiety that comes with this period of uncertainty.

  1. Focus on What You Can Control

The reality is that once the exams are written, you can’t do anything to alter your results. The constant going over of past answers and “what-ifs” increase your stress levels. Focus on what you can control today. This may include planning your next steps, exploring potential career paths, or even considering a gap year for time to explore new interests.

Tip: Draw a list of things you always wanted to try and set some goals for the coming months. This will keep your mind preoccupied and occupied with things within your control.

  1. Exercise and Stay Active

Exercise is a natural stress-reliever. It releases endorphins, which can improve your mood and help you shed some of that anxiety. Whether it is a brisk walk, hitting the gym, or an at-home workout, the physical activity can give that much-needed mental break.

Tip: Incorporate activities like yoga and stretching that might make your mind and body feel better. Even 10-15 minutes daily will make some difference.

  1. Limit the Use of Social Media

Social media can be a double-edged sword during this period. Seeing your friends and peers discussing their expectations or their plans for the future may trigger anxiety and self-doubt. Comparing oneself to others will only add to the levels of your stress.

Tip: Take breaks from social media or limit the time spent on it in order to avoid that which may make you anxious. Instead, focus more on real-life interactions and have uplifting conversations.

  1. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness is an effective tool that will help in the process of waiting for your results, and one of the most powerful tools for anxiety is meditation. Paying attention to the present moment will prevent the mind from going into overdrive for worst-case scenarios. Meditation can help to calm down the nervous system. It may even build up resilience against stress over time.

Begin with meditation guided through apps and/or YouTube videos. Start by doing some deep breathing exercises to at least feel less jumpy every day.

  1. Talk to Someone You Trust

Bottling your emotions up will surely make anxiety worse. Talking to a trusted friend, member of your family, and even a counsellor may help you get through all your feelings. Sometimes, just saying how concerned you are aloud already helps.

Tip: At any feeling of being overwhelmed, seek professional help. There are hotlines and counselling services available to help students in South Africa deal with exam stress.

  1. Practice Self-Care and Relaxation Skills. The general preparation of the body, mind, and spirit can have positive implications in handling anxiety. Simple care practices such as a warm bath, reading a good book, listening to music, or even being in the great outdoors may help you relax.

Tip: Squeeze in some time each day for “me time,” where you can do something completely for your own satisfaction. Whether binge-watching one’s favourite series or pampering with a skincare routine, these little acts of kindness to oneself may go a long way.

  1. Prepare Contingencies

Sometimes, this anxiety emanates from the fear of the unknown. You might not be able to predict your outcome, but you can prepare for different scenarios. Why not make a plan for both your best-case and worst-case scenarios? This way, you will feel that whatever the outcome is, you are well prepared for it.

Tip: Researching alternative options that cater to every student’s need will take some pressure off.

Waiting for your Matric results can be really nerve wrecking, but remember that your Matric results are just a number and do not define who you are or say anything about your future. There are so many ways to make it in life, and one set of exam results will not shut the door to your dreams.

If you practice self-care, keep your stress at bay, and maintain a positive disposition, you’ll be more ready for this period of waiting. Whatever the case may be, it is just one chapter in the long story of your life. Now it is up to you how you write the next one.

If you found this article helpful, kindly share with fellow mates out there who might just be riddled with the same thoughts. And don’t be a stranger; for more tips that will keep you enlightened on how to face this post-Matric journey, keep coming back! Future Skills has plenty more tips for navigating your post high school career journey.