My anxiety often comes out in those ways, too. Picking my cuticles, dead skin, scalp, etc. It is gross and I honestly don't even realize I'm doing it until someone (usually my husband) points it out. One thing I find that is helpful is finding stuff to do with my hands. For example, I knit and crochet and if I just feel that anxious energy lurking, I'll sit and do that for as long as I need. It is very theraputic and you really can't bite nails, pick at scabs, etc.

Also, for the studying and stuff, I was recently a student and would try to do things to make it more fun. For example, if I was reading a book I just couldn't focus on, it helped to take notes or highlight the book. But for me, the key to that was having a fun pen or a neat-colored highlighter. Sounds corny, I know, but again, you are keeping your hands busy and sort of making studying creative.

But in my opinion, in terms of just keeping busy doing trivial tasks, I guess I just take that as part of having anxiety. I'll bet everyone on this site has their "things" they do to keep busy in moments of anxiousness- some of mine are: making lists for pretty much anything from the upcoming week to a trip that isn't happening for almost a year, cleaning projects that are really petty such as dusting plant leaves, or watching totally mindless television (one I'm not proud of but it's sometimes fun to watch a funny show or gameshow as an escape).

Just some thoughts... not sure how helpful but good luck!