As finals week approaches many high school and college campuses across the country, it's safe to say that many students are in need of some serenity. The stress of multiple classes can accumulate, and it's imperative to remain at least somewhat level-headed amongst the chaos. And often times, the simplest things can offer us some peace and a dose of motivation.

1. Go on a nature walk

In between studying sessions, taking a break to be out in nature for awhile can make all the difference. Taking in all the beauty the world has to offer allows the mind to be still for a minute. Sitting outside listening to some music soaking up the sun instills a feeling of relaxation. Plus, it's good to get some fresh air every once in awhile.

2. Get active

If you're going to be out in nature, you might as well kill two birds with one stone and make a workout out of it. Exercising is a very efficient way to relieve stress and remove toxins from the body - including toxic thinking. Not only will you feel better about yourself after, but your thoughts will be organized as well.

3. Eat fruits and vegetables

Stress eating is totally a thing; a vicious cycle too. You eat because you're stressed, and then you stress because of what you eat, and then you eat more because of your stress and round and round it goes. The best way to eliminate any of that is to just eat right in the first place. What you eat fuels your mind, and finding healthy snacks in between breaks is key to staying focused.

4. Drink tea

This is my personal favorite. Certain types of tea like chamomile or peppermint are natural remedies for stress and anxiety when consumed. They are a great beverage to drink while studying as they are both tasty and stress-relieving.

5. Hangout with your pets

Spending time around animals can be one of the most beneficial things to do to relieve stress. Simply petting or hugging them can release endorphins and help you feel secure. Not to mention, they serve as great and (silent) companions while you study.

6. Take a nap

Sometimes a nap is exactly what you need to relax. It can be the best way to temporarily forget about all the stress that has piled up, and it can help clear your mind. Ideally, 20-minute naps are the best lengths for increasing alertness. You can wake up feeling refreshed, relieved of stress, and ready get things done.

7. Get a planner

This works for some people and not so much for others. Getting a planner is a really effective way to organize all the work and events that demand your time. Managing your time helps proportionally helps you manage stress and installs a routine into your day. Establishing a routine in part forces you to achieve a goal.

8. Write

This may seem a little redundant considering amount of writing that a student may already be doing during finals week, but writing can also be a stress-relieving activity. The old saying that writing your negative feelings on a piece of paper and then throwing that piece of paper can make you feel better is true. It's an efficient way to express your feelings momentarily and then immediately get back to work.

9. Breathe

All the stress and thoughts about finals work us into a tizzy that we often find our vision narrowing. It's hard to see to next year when we can't even see past next week. Yet, it is crucial to understand that everything is GOING TO BE OKAY. Everything always works itself out the way it needs to, and there is no need to stress about the things you can't change.

Instead, channel your stress to only focus on the things that you can change. Understanding that finals week is quite literally only a week and not the determining factor for the rest of your life is important to understand. You learned and studied for this test all semester, you got this. Simply, relax.