The cutting is bad because it is a chemical reaction that then becomes "addictive" so you have difficulty learning to release your anxiety any other way.

If I were having trouble studying, I would assume the anxiety was part of a reaction to the studying and I would quit and do something else entirely for awhile, as active as I could make it (walk somewhere or join a sporting event, etc.). If I wanted to take my studying "along" with me, I'd think of a theme I was studying and then see if I could find illustrations in "real" life. I'd perhaps go find a meal/something to eat that I'd enjoy or a location I'd enjoy.