Lesson #1 - stay calm!!
Lesson #2 - take a bath/shower, watch a movie. Whatever it is that will relax you
Lesson #3 - Don't be too focused on timing your contractions when they start. Just take it as they come. Have someone time them for you, but you don't need to know how far apart they are, especially at the beginning.
Lesson #4 - Rest whenever you can. If it's only braxton hicks, then it's important to get some sleep tonight, as labour might only be hours/days away, and you need all the energy you can get.