Some women launch record-breaking social media campaigns. Some volunteer in Haiti. Some raise three children - while launching their own business, finding time to exercise and meditate.

But when you're a busy woman, you might realize that you aren't really present for all the activities in your life. Unfortunately, by not being "present" and prioritizing your health (and sanity!), you aren't just harming yourself, but you're also harming your family, relationships and work.

Here are some tricks to stay in the moment and keep from running on empty in the chaos:

  1. Take A Breather. You might think you can't spare a moment to slow down, but in reality taking a short, five- to 10-minute break and coming back refreshed is far more efficient than sitting and staring at the same document for an hour. When you're overloaded, you reach a point where you no longer make good decisions. That's when it's time to step back. Find what calms you - whether it's a walk outdoors or time to meditate, it's worth fitting it in.
  2. Put Down the Phone. The key to being present? Removing distractions that keep pulling you away. Check your phone before the conference call or a visit with family, then put your tech gadgets down and focus on the here and now.
  3. Include Your Family/Loved Ones in Prioritization. Whether it's children, parents or other loved ones, we all often feel pulled in multiple directions. Instead, try asking those same loved ones to help prioritize. Can't be at soccer, ballet and school pickup this week? Ask your children which activities are most important to have you there - you may be surprised! That way, your family will know that they remain a priority, and you'll have a schedule that doesn't require cloning - or a heavy serving of guilt - to meet.
    Whether you like to walk, run, Zumba or chase your dog or kids around the park, fitness doesn't have to be complicated, but it does have to be prioritized.
  4. Accept a certain amount of chaos and a little bit (or a lot) of messy imperfection. When activities and homework make preparing family dinner challenging, divide chores so that your family is helping with cooking, cleaning and more.

No one can fit 100 hours of work and family obligations and activities into a single day. Fortunately, we don't have to. If we make time for those things that really matter, we can stay healthy, sane and present for all of them.