Follow the following tips to reduce your stress to manageable levels! Avoid "Must" think. Let go of the notion that you must do something in a certain way, for example, "I must get a great score on a test, or else. " This thought pattern only adds to the stress you’ll feel. Evaluate your situation coldly and analytically, and not as a "life or death" situation. Watch the Mess. Don’t study in a messy or cramped area. Clear yourself a nice, open space that’s free of distractions. Set Manageable Goals. Break large projects into smaller and doable parts and you’ll feel a positive sense of accomplishment as you finish each part. Ocean Dumping. Visualize yourself walking on a beautiful beach, carrying a sand pail. Stop at a good spot and put your worries into the pail. Drop the pail and watch as it drifts away into the ocean. Think Good Thoughts. Create a set of positive but brief affirmations and mentally repeat them to yourself just before you fall asleep at night, and you will feel a lot more positive in the morning. Imagine Yourself Succeeding. Close your eyes and remember a real life situation in which you did well. Imagine facing your stressful situation with the same feelings of confidence. Use Your Bed for Sleeping, not Studying. Your mind may start to associate your bed with work, which will make it harder for you to fall asleep. Soothing Sounds. If you want to play music, keep it low in the background. Classical music especially can aid the learning process. Take a Hike, Pal. Need a study break Take a short, brisk walk. Clear your mind. If you meet a great difficulty, how can you reduce your stress