With dead week and finals quickly approaching, stress grows.

Many students will tell you this semester has been one of the hardest they have experienced. Not only does it seem like many people have more to do than normal, but the tests seems harder and the days go by faster. Because of the mass amount of stressful tweets I have seen and comments I have received in passing, I was hoping a few stress-relieving tips would help.

No, I’m not stress-free, but with the help of these few things my life has contained less and less stress.

There are many things you can do, but what has been found to be the most helpful is the environment that is surrounding you. Try lighting a lavender candle, letting in some natural light or simply sitting at your desk or kitchen table instead of your bed.

Bedrooms are full of distractions. The appeal is understandable; you are comfortable and feel warm and cozy in your own room, but making a quick trip to the library, out of your comfort zone, could be all the push you need to finish that important paper you have been putting off.

Lighting a lavender candle to relieve some of that stress you carry in your shoulders could help convince you that you are ready to study for that big exam. Letting in the light will wake you up and make you ready to defeat the day. Although you may have that one comfortable environment where you like to spend your time, it’s good to move to a new zone and get focussed.

Also, eat healthier and keep working out. The endocannabinoids and power foods will give you that extra boost you need to succeed. Even a simple walk around the block and a banana can help to give you that extra spurt of energy that you may need. It is OK to have that quick energy drink every once and awhile, but that crash will be full of regret, whereas the banana and walk will keep your spirits high.

And call your mom. Sometimes you just need a reassuring talk with your mother (or anyone you love) to tell you that it’s all going to be OK. It may seem silly and childish at first, but trust me in saying, it feels wonderful to hear her voice again.

And lastly, stop staring at your computer screen. Yes, the majority of our assignments and tests are now done over the computer; in fact, I’m currently typing this on a computer. But it’s good to have a break from time to time. The screen is a distraction. Even if you are focussed on an assignment there’s always that tiny voice in your head reminding you that you could just switch over to Netflix if you wanted to.

These few tips and tricks have helped lots of people through all of those papers they have waited until the day before to begin. Or that exam that they “forgot” to study for until 1a.m. It’s fine to be stressed; it’s natural, but hopefully these tips will help to tone it down a little.