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That point in the summer is upon us when teenagers across the country begin biting their nails and frantically filling Facebook with messages like "OMG! Two days to go! I'm sure I have failed History!" Yes, its exam results time. Anxious sixteen and eighteen year olds, and their families, are about to learn their fate, with sixth form direction and university places - and to some extent their future career prospects -- depending on exam results. With the energy drink, Pro-Plus and coffee-fuelled exam period a hazy memory, and exam results soon on their way, what advice would a life coach or personal development guru offer to restless young people to help them through this challenging yet exhilarating time?

A measure of gratitude will add a healthy sense of perspective. This may cause a few furrowed brows, as one would on the face of it, only be grateful after exam results are announced and then only if they get the grades they liked. But anyone living a happy and fulfilled life is probably able to do this because of the sense of gratitude running through them. Albeit, someone about to receive their exam results is at a key juncture in their life, but an appreciation of all of the things they have going for them, regardless of what their exam results are, is empowering and constructive. A sense of perspective that life does not come to an end if one doesn't see the desired letters on exam results day, and the worst that can happen doesn't involve the world coming to an end. Disappointment is inevitable, but too long spent wallowing in despair is obviously not constructive -- a list of alternatives and a sense of gratitude for all the good things in life is far more empowering. Gratitude could be for one's health, well-being, food, shelter, the privilege of living in one of the top countries in the world and then for all the people, places and technologies to which we have access. A moment taken to reflect on your life and look down the mountain at all the progress you have made towards the summit helps add a sense of perspective at the fraught exam results time.

Positive thinking always helps, and is related to and stimulating by a sense of gratitude. We cannot control events that have already happened, with exam results on their way, but what we can control is how we look at them and the mindset with which we view the situation. Like tends to attract like in life, so choosing to be positive and optimistic encourages more positive things to flow to us at exam results time. What would you rather be on -- a downward spiral or an upward one? We can influence what we experience next and to a greater extent how we feel about it. Decide to adopt a positive mindset and good things are more likely to come. You are also likely to appreciate more of the good things you already have, regardless of exam results.

Meditation and relaxation can soothe and energise students at exam results time, which is a crucial point in their lives. Even if you are not inclined to sit under a tree and contemplate the meaning of life, you will be amazed at how clear and uplifted you will feel just by closing your eyes and slowly taking a few full, deep breaths through your nose and slowly exhaling. For those wanting to feel better without the help of a chemically loaded stimulant when exam results are due, do the breathing sitting cross legged with your hands on your knees. Then, in this relaxed state, allow thoughts to run freely through your mind, watching them as a spectator as you would a movie. Even five minutes in this state of stillness can be incredibly uplifting -- its free and on-demand, so give it a go!

Whatever your exam results, whether they are what you would like or not, you always have the power to decide how you respond, albeit that may be easier said than done when exam results disappoint. So decide to choose the state of mind that is best for you. Who knows, you might see more people with a happier and more philosophical social networking status over the next few days!

Hitul Thobhani is director and co-founder of Kidz4Mation.com, who specialise in helping children become more empowered, positive and optimistic so they go on to be more fulfilled and successful as adults. He can be contacted at Hitul@kidz4mation.com