Being blindsided by COVID-19 and the mandatory social quarantine has spiked stress in all of us. It can feel very overwhelming. Levels of our stress hormone, cortisol, spike while we’re trying to stay connected—and we’re suddenly asking ourselves whether nine rolls of toilet paper will be enough.

When you’re stressed, you’ll know it, primarily because it affects sleep quality. Sometimes you’ll experience being ‘wired but tired.’ Physically is can feel like being yanked in a multitude of directions, and pain may sprout in those familiar ‘holding’ zones—all of which can compromise our immune systems.

Mentally, our mind may swing between the past and the future, worry loops and obsessions.

So, where do we find peace?

It’s not like a ‘Where’s Waldo’ book. Peace is not something you go looking for—it’s something you create through healthy boundaries and making time for contemplation and spirit-lifting activities.

Try these tips to find peace:

Go outside and drink in the beauty, the weather, the fresh air, the sounds of nature and life around you.

Take a walk. Smile and wave at your neighbors—we’re all in this together.

Garden, plant seeds—it’s a beautiful reminder that we have the ability to be less reliant on grocery stores and grow our own healthy food.

Call family and friends and have meaningful conversations—practice compassionate listening.

Breathe mindfully to ease the body—join an online meditation or online yoga group to learn breathing and relaxation techniques and stress management tools. Our local yoga studios and Ramona practitioners are moving classes online, as are our fitness centers and trainers. Find your favorite and follow them virtually.

Host a virtual happy hour! Get all dolled up and throw a party with your favorite people on Skype, FaceTime, Google Hangouts and Zoom. Sip on cocktails or mocktails while socializing from a distance.

Dance to your favorite music—get your happy hormone endorphins going!

Be a kid and play board games.

Take a virtual art or music class. Hospitals use music and art therapy to promote healing. You can also do virtual museum tours.

De-clutter and deep clean—and get ready to make thrift store donations when this all blows over.

Limit your news exposure. Dedicate your news time to staying informed and prepared—then switch off.

Post inspiring and beautiful pictures and quotes on social feeds to help flip the negative script—and then sign off.

Focus on something positive each day.

Although the circumstances are unsavory, maybe this time of hibernation is just what we and the entire planet need—a break to focus on ourselves and family. When we emerge, remember to be kind to everyone you see—especially the brave individuals who are working every day to help keep us safe and society functioning.

Let’s find peace within to spread peace outwardly. Namaste.

If you interested in embarking on a Food, Wine, and Wellness Retreat this summer. Click HERE to visit the Retreat Page.

Ramona’s Tracy Aleksic is a yoga teacher and owner of Radiant Centre.