In this crazy world, busyness is a status. The busier you are, the more highly esteemed you are. It feels like we are in a never-ending race to see who can do it all and still get eight hours of sleep a night! But the truth of the matter is that we can't do it all -- we were never made to do it all! Everyone is more than willing to try and get as much as they can done in a 24-hour period; we're willing to feel burnt out and run down before we admit they can't do it all. But there are ways that you can take some time and relax and be present in your current moment. Here's 12 ways to stay calm in the middle of the chaos.

1. Take a minute to breathe and gain your composure.

Breathing when you are stressed out helps to move the negative energy out of your body. Pace back and forth a few minutes. Close your eyes if you have to. But breathe.

2. Know that no one, absolutely no one, is doing it all by themselves.

Your boss cannot do it all. Your best friend isn't doing it all. And you cannot do it all. Figure out what is necessary to your every day life, do what you can, and ask for help with what you can't.

3. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

Life is just easier with a friend. There is no shame in asking someone else to help you. We were created with different strengths and built for connection. There is no reason that we should try to do everything alone.

4. Do the necessary before the leisurely.

Organize before you try to do something. If you are taking a trip organize what you want to pack, buy the food and things needed when you get there before you have fun. You will thank yourself later.

5. Find a safe outlet to get away from the noise.

Find what suits you. Meditation. Coloring. Journaling. Talking with someone. Writing. Drink coffee. Bake. Running. Hiking. Pick something -- healthy coping skills are necessary for living a healthy life; repression does not work.

6. Don't focus on the negative too much.

The news is plagued with negativity -- crime, loss, terrorism, fear... the list is endless. Take a minute and appreciate the sunsets, the kindness in another person, the laughter of a child, kisses from puppies. Find the good and focus on that a little bit.

7. Step away from the screens for a little while.

Look at life through your eyes and not through a screen. Enjoy life. Jump in pools without regard because the phone is at home. You might miss the screens at first, but I promise you that you will not die without your phone. Stop connecting over Facebook and start connecting with the person in front of you.

8. Don't expect the worst from others.

There are good people in this world. They are surrounding you. But we seem to expect the worst from others and that is what we see. Stop seeing friendly conversation with the cashier as an inconvenience -- it is actually kindness.

9. Don't follow the crowd when you want to go the other direction.

What the majority is saying is not always the best belief or course of action. Have your own voice and do your thing.

10. Speak the truth.

There is a quote by someone unknown that says, "Speak the truth, even if your voice shakes." Tell the truth -- lying takes too much effort and memory. Speak truth over yourself and your friends; don't let the voice of the critics drown out your tender love.

11. Don't be afraid to say no.

Don't say yes when you want to say no. You are allowed to say no to another commitment, and most people will respect that no.

12. Set boundaries.

This may be listed last, but it might be the most important point to keeping yourself sane in chaos. Boundaries liberate you. They help you to feel good about what you are agreeing to with others. They help to protect you from burn out, and they help other people to respect you as a whole.