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1. Create a Study Plan: Set a daily routine for yourself that allocates enough time for studying and taking exams, while setting aside time to take breaks and recharge – thereby reducing your stress and anxiety.
2. Minimize distractions: Try putting away the gaming console while studying. Limit your time on social media, too.
3. Study Breaks: Break up long chunks of studying by going for a walk (sunlight is wonderful!), exercise, stretching, calling a friend, watching funny pet videos (see below), doing a virtual meditation session with Duke Student Wellness (see below), hydrating and eating healthy snacks, or a power nap.
4. Sleep: 7-8 hours is best before studying or taking an exam.
5. Naps: Naps are your friend. A power nap on a busy day can help improve your memory and reduce anxiety.
6. Caffeine & Water: The great balancing act. If your caffeine intake is starting to cause headaches or increase anxiety, then be sure to switch to water. 
7. Healthy snacks: Healthy snacks are low in added fat and sugar, but high in fiber and water. Fruits, veggies, and whole-grain chips are suggested. Indulge in the snickerdoodle recipe below, in moderation.
8. Stay connected: Be sure to stay in touch with your friends and family. It's a great way to help relieve stress and anxiety, and receive support and encouragement.

• Instrumental Study: A soft musical backdrop for your studies. | 305 songs, about 13 hr. 
• Just Focus: Music that makes you relax and escape the world around you. | 62 songs. 2:41 hr.
• Peaceful Piano: Relax and indulge with beautiful piano pieces. | 300 songs, about 13 hr.
• Pop Study: Pop gems to help you concentrate and stay focused. | 60 songs, 3:42 hr.
• Study Vibes: Chilled electronic tracks that will help you focus. | 62 songs, 2:58 hr.

• 4 Hours Classical Music for Studying, Relaxation & Concentration
• 10 Hours Of Relaxing Planet Earth II Mountain Sounds
• Ambient Study Music To Concentrate
• Ben Böhmer live above Cappadocia in Turkey for Cercle (playlist)
• Deep Focus - Music For Studying, Concentration and Work
• How to Train Your Dragon | Peaceful Theme Music & Ambience
• Positive Mood JAZZ - Sunny Jazz Cafe and Bossa Nova Music
• Rainy Night Coffee Shop Ambience with Relaxing Jazz Music and Rain Sounds

(Scroll past the yummy snickerdoodles recipe for the answers.)

For the cookies

• 3 ½ cups flour 
• ½ teaspoon baking soda 
• ½ teaspoon cream of tartar 
• 1 cup butter (two sticks), room temperature 
• 2 cups sugar 
• 2 eggs 
• ¼ cup milk 
• 1 teaspoon vanilla   

For the topping:

• 3 tablespoons sugar 
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon   

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. 

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Set aside.

In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs, milk, and vanilla. Mix well. Mix in the dry ingredients until everything is incorporated. (It’s a thick dough.) 

In a separate small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and sugar for the topping. 

Form the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each in the topping mixture. Place them 2 inches apart on a greased or parchment-covered baking sheet. Flatten each slightly. (Leave them about ¼ inch thick.)

Sprinkle the cookie tops with additional topping mixture (optional).

Bake for 7-8 minutes. (They will remain pale in color.) Do not overbake.

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