By Alice Compton
In the midst of a busy school life, it can be easy to fall into the trap of short-term and catastrophic thinking. In times like these, it is necessary to take a step back and remind yourself that the issues that you are currently facing are temporary. The mark that you get on your upcoming exam will not have a long-term impact on the course of your life, regardless of its apparent significance to this present moment. There will always be more opportunities to grow and you are not defined by your failures. Reminding yourself of this regularly is imperative as it can significantly reduce stress, which is an encompassing issue for many of us.
Whilst you should always try your best, this is all you can do. Your best at different points in time may be variable depending on your circumstances, and this is okay! At the end of the day, what is most important in life are the family and friends who support you. You will get through that exam whether you pass or not and you will come out of it a stronger and more resilient person. When life is challenging, consider the things that make your life enjoyable—friends, family, pets, your favourite show on Netflix, etc. These things are more important than your successes and failures which only create temporary joy and sadness.
When you catch yourself becoming immersed in negative thinking, try doing something that you enjoy. This could be making a cup of tea, going on a walk, meeting up with a friend for a few hours after school or even just taking a nice hot shower. No matter what, your happiness is more important than your results at school. When you reflect on your youth, what you will remember will not be your marks, but the memories you made.