- Dr Alex reveals he thought 'the world had ended' on his own results day, but urges students not to put too much pressure on themselves this Thursday
- READ MORE: How to conquer Clearing if you don't get the grades you need for your university place
Hopeful students across the country will be receiving their exam results tomorrow on the most nerve-wracking day of the academic year.
Someone who knows the feeling of anxiety all too well is Dr Alex George, who shared how on his own A-level Results Day he thought 'the world had ended' when he didn't get the grades he needed to secure his place at medical school.
Speaking with Lorraine host Ranvir Sing today, Alex explained that despite his initial disappointment, not getting the grades he wanted was the 'best thing that ever happened' to him.
Dr Alex had some sage advice for students who are feeling nervous about results day tomorrow, as well as some tips on how to keep your mental fitness in check during this stressful time.
Dr Alex appeared on Lorraine at the ITV studios in London today to discuss the pressures around Results Day
Lorraine host Ranvir Sing said: 'The stress of waiting, the anxiety of trying to act normal - all you know 'what are we having for dinner?' - when all anyone is thinking is that this time tomorrow will we be crying, will we be upset, will we be happy?
She continued. 'The uncertainty I think is worse than the knowing.'
'Of course,' Dr Alex agreed. 'The nervousness around exam results, you feel that feeling because you care, right? And the first thing I'll say is, that's completely normal.
'Many people around the country are still feeling the same thing. I can still take myself back to those few days before feeling of: 'Am I going to get the results that I want?' It's normal to feel that.
He continued: 'But at the same time, it's important to make sure we're looking after ourselves throughout this process. I believe heavily that we should be looking after our mental fitness all of the time, but when we're under pressure - and exam result pressure - it's even more important.
'So use things to your advantage. Nature is incredible - it's the reason I started my podcast, Stompcast'
Stompcast, hosted by Dr Alex, focuses on the mental health benefits of walking, as well as providing a platform for in-depth interviews with influential people in the mental health space.
Dr Alex continued, 'We know that nature calms a part of our brain called the amygdala, which is a fear response part of our brain, so it down-regulates that and calms us. Being in nature helps us feel grounded and part of a wider world.
Lorraine host Ranvir Singh abd Dr Alex George discussed the difficulties facing students in the build up to Results Day
Results Day 2024 will take place on Thursday 15th August, with students able to pick up their results from their school or college from 8 am
Do a bit of exercise, a bit of movement. What's your favourite film? What's the thing that you like to put on the television? Use things to ground yourself.
Dr Alex also devised an action plan for the day itself. He said: 'Try and plan a day that will allow you, whatever happens, to celebrate or commiserate if you need to. Perhaps don't scale up the plans too much.
'Perhaps going out for a pizza, so that if things go well you go out for pizza and if not, you get a takeaway. The day and the morning before have a think about how you'd like to receive the results. Personally, I went in for my A-levels and my parents stayed outside.'
Dr Alex also advises students to stay off social media if you can during the exam results period. 'A lot of the time with social media you see the highlights reels and in the days before you can think everybody looks so happy and not nervous - but let me tell you everybody is nervous.
The former Love Islander went on to recall his own experiences of results day and how falling short can sometimes be a good thing. 'If it doesn't go the right way, that isn't the end of the world either,' he continued.
'16 years ago, I went in to get my A-level results having a place at medical school. There was a lot riding on that day.
'I walked in and I sat down in front of my head of sixth form and he said: 'Alex, you've done really really well. But you've missed out on the grades you need by two marks in chemistry. And I thought the world had ended. I was absolutely devastated.
'I can honestly tell you now it's the best thing that ever happened to me. I reapplied and then got to work in a school as a teaching assistant, which I absolutely loved. The resilience it taught me was incredible.
The former Love Islander went on to recall his own experiences of results day and how falling short can sometimes be a good thing
An advocate for 'mental fitness' Dr Alex says his pet dog Rolo has helped him get out and about on walks more, which in turn has boosted his mental health
He continued: 'No matter what happens in the next couple of days, there are many routes to the top of the mountain. If you get the grades that you want in the next week, celebrate that. Celebrate your victory.'
Dr Alex has been vocal about his own mental health previously and the impact losing his brother to suicide had on him.
During an episode of his Stompcast podcast, the Dr revealed: 'I've had real troubles with my mental health over the last few years. I lost my brother to suicide in early 2020, which affected me greatly.
'I've talked publicly about taking antidepressants. I have ADHD, diagnosed last year, which can really impact my life too.
'I can manage my hyperactivity by getting out there and doing a long walk. It calms my brain and makes it more likely that I can be productive.
'Losing my brother and work pressures really affected my health. I wasn't exercising or eating well, and I put on quite a lot of weight. So I got Rolo [Alex's dog].
'He gives me that accountability to walk each day. He needs a walk come rain or shine. I go out in any conditions, and I've never regretted a walk I've done – snow, storms, freezing cold – I've enjoyed them all.'
