So matric exams have finally ended. You’ve trashed your textbooks and graffitied up your uniforms. You’ve booked your holidays, RSVP’d to the sickest events and you’re riding a rollercoaster that only goes up.
Until you’re partying it up one night, dancing and singing with your friends without a care in the world, and that rollercoaster comes crashing down.
The words ‘Wait, the nucleus isn’t the powerhouse of the cell’, ‘Was that Gatsby dude in love with a girl named Lilly? and ‘OMG I am going to fail’ start flashing like a neon sign in your mind. Even before the next song has a chance to play, that troll, aka ‘stress’, takes over.
Like Gangnam Style, exam result stress is just something we have to deal with!
Here are some tips to make the ride a lot more pleasant:
Keep calm and carry on
I can see your eyes rolling already, but during high‑stress situations it’s super important to try and relax. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, stop and take a deep breath. The cool and calm version of you will think clearly and rationally and make carefully considered decisions.
Do you even lift, bro?
Contrary to popular belief, LO teachers actually do know what they’re talking about when they say ‘Exercise is a good way to relieve stress’. Exercise will release those awesome endorphins and help combat feelings of depression and anxiety. Take the dog for a walk, go for a run or even play tag with your little sister.
#RewardYoSelf
The grind is officially over, and fam, it is time to celebrate! You have studied hard and now it’s time to reward yo’self by doing what you love! Spend time with your friends and family, watch a movie or five – whatever it is – if you love it (and it’s legal), do it! Good vibes will help you to relax and stay calm.
Check on your day ones
Stress can be very dangerous for your mental health, as well as for those around you. Stress can lead to fatigue, emotional exhaustion and even depression. Look out for your homies. If you notice they’re irritable, suddenly behave weirdly, isolate themselves, can’t sleep or have lost their appetite, encourage them to talk to someone about their feelings. They can talk to you, a family member or a counsellor in the community.
Do yourself a favour and hook yourself up with Gradesmatch while you’re on this confusing journey. Gradesmatch not only allows you to check your matric results online, but also shows you how your results rank locally and nationally. You can even check out the university courses you could take with those results!
