Managing stress on results day is easier said than done. If you're feeling pressure, there are some ways you can take care of your wellbeing.
Updated: 18 Mar 2025
Stress around your results is completely normal and is something most students go through. It’s easy to slip into the mindset of “what if I did things differently?” or “if only I could prepare more."
To get you through these moments it’s important to remember that you’re not the only one experiencing these fears - your friends and thousands of other students are in the same boat as you.
We know that may not feel too comforting, so we thought we'd help you out with some advice on managing your stress and being prepared for any outcome on results day.
It's vitally important to not fall into a downward spiral of stress and panic. Take a moment, even five minutes every day to focus on something you really love to ease your mind. Results day shouldn't consume your thoughts and your wellbeing should be a number one priority. Eat properly, keep up a social routine and remind yourself that you have options no matter what happens.
Stress is a normal aspect of everyday life, in fact, we actually need it to function. However, it’s important to strike the right balance and to learn how to manage it.
So, if you feel overwhelmed with stress it's important to talk to someone. So many people around you care about your wellbeing and speaking to a friend or family member can put your mind at ease, and give you much-needed perspective.
Try not to compare yourself to others either. Remember that you're in your own race, no one is perfect and everyone deals with stress differently.
Losing sleep over results day does happen but isn't great for your overall health. Your daily routine can be severely impacted without you even realising. Instead of staying up late binge-watching Netflix, aim to get between seven and nine hours of sleep. You give your body and mind a chance to recharge, which helps you stay refreshed and alert when awake.
Despite feeling exhausted from the rollercoaster year you've had, it’s not recommended to spend all of summer in your bed. Your physical wellbeing is just as important as your mental wellbeing. According to the NHS, exercise can actually help to boost your energy, so whether it’s a quick walk, a short run, or a dip in the pool, it’s all beneficial and can have positive effects.
In the run-up to results day, conversations on social media are likely to focus on just that. We've seen the memes and jokes students make, but it's easy to fall down a rabbit hole that can end up being damaging to your wellbeing. Try and do other things that don't involve technology, like reading a book, spending time with your family or simply going out. Focusing on another activity takes the focus away from results day - and who knows, you may end up having more fun not being glued to your phone.
This involves thinking of multiple scenarios and what you're going to do in different outcomes. If you end up going through Clearing, have all the information you need ready and decide on a quiet place where you can make calls and find alternative courses, undisturbed. Spend some time researching Clearing courses at different entry levels so you know your options. Feeling confident in knowing what you will do in any circumstance should ease some of the stress around results day. Make sure you end your day with something positive as well; whether that's a meal with friends and family or a movie night, end results day on a positive note knowing that you're ready for the next stage in your education.
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