Feeling stressed about exam results is normal for both students and their parents. Whether it be a school exam, an entrance exam or one that you give in college, it is natural to feel nervous about your performance. We all try hard to secure great marks and getting a disappointing result can be a huge mental setback. However, marks are not the end of the world and it is important to look beyond the current situation. Here are some steps that can help you deal with post-result anxiety. 

1. Talk about it - Speak about your feelings if you are disappointed with your performance. Talk to someone you trust; it could be a parent, sibling, teacher, or a friend. Seek help from a professional counsellor or a helpline if required.
   
   Parents need to ensure that their child is not left alone during this crucial phase and should provide a conducive environment at home for communication and personal reflection.
   
    
2. Keep your chin up - Keeping a positive attitude is important. Understand that life does not end with one bad result and focus on the bigger picture. Shivang Singh, who ranked second in NCR region in the 2017 ISC exam (Science stream), spoke about marks being just a part of a student’s life. “Marks don’t define you. Dropouts and failures from schools and colleges can end up winning awards. Parents getting stressed about their child’s result is justified, but he/she will get somewhere in life even if they don’t score well. You need to have faith in your children, and give them confidence,” Shivang said.
   
    
3. Do not compare - Individuals are different and have their own capabilities and skillsets. Comparing your academic performance with others is not advisable. Accept your own strengths and weaknesses and be proud of them. Parents need to understand that not everybody can be a topper and their child is a unique individual in his/her own right.
   
    
4. Recognize symptoms of stress - It is understandable to feel stressed despite your efforts to stay calm and relaxed. Hence, it is crucial for both students and parents to identify signs like fatigue, loss of sleep and appetite, headaches, etc. Do not let the post-result anxiety define your personality.
   
    
5. Take time out - If you feel stressed, undertake an activity that helps you take your mind off the result. Outdoor sports or online gaming, cooking, and playing with a pet can all be therapeutic. Parents can arrange a picnic or a weekend getaway to help their child relax.
   
    
6. Expand your horizon - There lies a wide world beyond your dream colleges and universities. Read about new courses and career options and see what suits your interests. You can also speak with career counsellors to explore new options and to seek more clarity about your future course of action. An immense variety of career options awaits you in the modern world, and you can build a successful future in areas like ethical hacking and graphics designing.
   
    
7. Consider a gap year - A gap year can help you engage with new skills and experiences before going back to academics or starting a professional career. Travel, community service, internships, research or field experience, language immersions, freelancing, or a combination of any of these are some viable options.
    

Tags: exams, tests, students, high school students, extracurricular, tips, advice, R Sidharth