There are times in life when it seems like someone is holding down the fast forward button, watching you struggle to try and keep up. Things get overwhelming, days fly by, and there seems to be no time to get anything done. It's stressful, it's taxing, and it's frustrating. You begin to long for some down time, just enough to let you collect your thoughts and try and process what is going on. While this may seem like something that it completely out of reach for you, it is important to try and build in some downtime in your life. In the fast paced world that we live in, downtime seems like commodity that flies off the shelves before you can get to it. But it's still something that we need to take the time out of our busy schedules to do, because it's crucial for our mental health. So here's five ways to help you slow down life when it gets to be too hectic.

1. Isolate yourself.

Take some time to yourself. There's nothing wrong with closing your door and laying on your bed for a few moments while you try and collect your thoughts and decompress after a long day.

2. Turn off the devices.

Part of the reason why we are always so amped is because we're constantly accessible to the world, and the world is accessible to us. At any moment, someone could call or text you, all at the same time that you're messaging your friend on Facebook. There's no break from the pressure of having to be in constant contact with people. Give yourself the chance to rejuvenate and walk away from the phone, computer, or tablet.

3. Listen to music.

Music is a great way to get yourself to focus on one thing. When you listen to music, it can become a source of relaxation as background noise to help you relax and clear your head.

4. Read a book.

Reading helps you to step away from your world, and enter a completely new and different one. It gives you the chance to stop thinking about what needs to be done, or who you need to call, and lets you focus on the life of the characters that you encounter in your book.

5. Do Yoga or meditate.

It may sound a bit cliche, but doing yoga or meditating are great ways to take your mind off of the responsibilities that you face every day. The practice behind yoga and meditation is meant to relax you and bring you peace within your own self. So use it to your advantage.

There's no shame in taking a break from your responsibilities and taking time for yourself. In fact, it makes you a better person and worker. So make sure that you're making time in your schedule to focus on yourself, and give yourself a little dose of self-love, before you start focusing on everyone else.