Managing stress during competitive programming contests is crucial for maintaining focus and clarity under pressure. A helpful strategy is to focus on one problem at a time instead of getting overwhelmed by the entire contest. By dedicating full attention to each task, you reduce the mental strain of context-switching. Breathing exercises and mindfulness techniques can also help calm nerves, especially before the contest begins or when facing a tough problem. Effective time management, such as setting time limits on each problem, prevents spending excessive time on challenging questions and allows you to make the most of the contest. Taking short mental breaks and staying hydrated helps maintain endurance, while reminding yourself that each contest is a learning opportunity can reduce performance anxiety. With these strategies, you can manage stress effectively, approach problems with a clear mind, and ultimately perform at your best.