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Too many students make mistakes that only add to their stress. Below are ten self-inflicted sources of stress and how you can avoid them.

1. Perfectionism: Always expecting to be first and best will cause you stress you don't need. Try to see the value in what you've accomplished, rather than beating yourself up over mistakes.

2. Negative Self-Talk: The monologue inside your head profoundly affects your outlook on life, so in tough situations, think positive -- otherwise, you're sabotaging yourself. If your self-talk is always negative, you may need help with your self-esteem.

3. Procrastination: It's a difficult habit to break, but doing so will eliminate many stress-filled nights. Artificial deadlines can help spur you on and prevent you from being overwhelmed. Agree to show a friend an outline of the big paper a week before it's due, a rough draft three days before the deadline, etc.

4. Bad Ergonomics: Back pain, eyestrain, and aching wrists make it hard to learn, besides causing major discomfort. Take time to get up and stretch; it can make a big difference in your study scenario.

5. Disorganization: Nothing is more stressful than losing a month of calculus notes. Have a place for everything and keep everything in its place, at least when it comes to important papers.

6. Caffeine: Although idolized by many students for making early mornings and late nights liveable, it comes at a price (not just literally!). Caffeine can make you hyperactive instead of productive, and it's easy to become addicted. Generally, it's better to sleep when you need to.

7. People-Pleasing: Don't feel guilty about choosing your college and major based on what feels right to you, even if that means going against the advice of your parents or best friend. Putting your own goals first will not only reduce the tension you feel now, but will make your entire college career easier to deal with.

8. Displacement: When you're feeling overwhelmed, you may become crabby with innocent bystanders. If you start to snap, gain some perspective by taking the time to ask yourself if you're really angry with that person or just angry. If stress does cause you to say something you don't mean, be sure to apologize rather than letting those hard feelings fester.

9. Obsession: Thinking about the next big exam every waking moment is counter-productive. Ask yourself if you are overestimating the importance of a single grade. And, if you get an F, it isn't the end of the world. Just try harder next time.

10. Counter-Productive Coping Strategies: Something as minor as making too many long-distance phone calls or as major as drug addiction can fall into the counter-productive category. When you set out to relax, ask yourself, "Do I want to deal with the consequences of what I'm about to do?" If the answer is no, find another leisure activity.

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