Summer has officially begun. The sun shines against the bluest sky, colourful ice lollies are enjoyed at picnics in the park, and the harmonies of laughter fill the air. But you can only think about one thing: results day. Two words that have enough power to send goosebumps all over your body and butterflies swirling around in your belly.

Waiting for results day can be an agonising time - I've been there, I know how you’re feeling. Endless thoughts are whizzing around your mind: What if I failed? What if I don’t get into sixth form or university? What if, what if, what if? After months of study and revision, waiting for the results can feel overwhelming. While it is totally normal to worry, it’s also incredibly important to manage your stress levels and ensure you’re taking care of yourself. That’s why I’ve put together a few top tips for you to know to help you manage your stress whilst awaiting your results!

RESULTS DO NOT DEFINE YOUR WORTH

You might feel as though your results will determine your value in life, but this is simply not the case. Exam results exist to showcase all the hard work you’ve put in throughout the year and to reflect on all you have learned. They do not exist to establish your worth, and if you don’t get the results you were hoping for, this just puts you on a new path of opportunities.

Results day is not a competition – we all have our strengths and weaknesses, and as long as you have done the best you can do, that is all that matters. Take a deep breath and congratulate yourself on the work you’ve put in.

YOU DESERVE TO HAVE FUN

After months of studying and revising, this is your time to have some fun! Make the most of the summer sun and go out with your friends – you deserve it. Keeping active will also help you fret less about your results.

HOPE FOR THE BEST, PREPARE FOR THE POTENTIAL

Despite studying hard, you may not receive the exam results you were hoping for. It is therefore important to always hope for the best but also be prepared for potential disappointment. Allowing yourself to consider a worst-case scenario will enable you to feel calmer and more in control once the day arrives. It will allow you to figure out what opportunities you are able to pursue should your original plan no longer be a possibility.

TAKE COMFORT IN FAMILY AND FRIENDS

We have all had to take exams in our lives, and so take comfort in the fact that you’re not alone. Talk with your friends – they're probably just as worried as you, but expressing how you feel can sometimes be enough to alleviate the worries running through your mind!

MAINTAIN YOUR PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH

It is incredibly easy to lose yourself when waiting for results and consequently not take care of your physical or emotional wellbeing. Ensure that you are proactively taking care of yourself every day. Get moving every day – even just a 20-minute walk in the park will do wonders. Movement is not only good for your body but also boosts your self-esteem thanks to the release of chemicals in your brain. Getting enough sleep is also an important part of taking care of yourself, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy a lie-in now that the alarm for school is switched off for summer!

Inevitably, you’re going to feel a little worried about results day – it just means you care. But these tips should help you manage your stress levels and let you enjoy your summer break! Always remember, your teachers are there to both celebrate and support you as you plan your next steps for your future, no matter what your results are – there is always something exciting next, you just need to find it.