Uncertainty is part of being human. We've always lived with unknowns. But right now, many of us feel a particular kind of stress because uncertainty is infused with fear.

You can feel lonely in a crowded room. Being physically present doesn’t always equal emotional connection. Sometimes you might feel unseen, misunderstood, or disconnected from the people around you. This kind of loneliness often comes from being disconnected internally: from your feelings, your needs, or your sense of belonging.

Stress itself isn’t always bad. Short bursts can motivate action. The problem is when stress becomes constant and your nervous system never gets a chance to reset.

Protecting your peace means being intentional about how you use your time, energy, and attention. It’s not about avoiding people or shutting out joy, it’s about making choices that support emotional wellness.

Trying to live a selfless life is a fast track to physical and emotional illness — and often to strained or broken relationships. Living a selfless life leads to emotional isolation and loneliness, the kind research equates to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. That level of loneliness breaks people down.

Ellen Langer is a Harvard psychologist who has been studying mindfulness for 50 years and I have been loving her latest book, The Mindful Body: Thinking Our Way to Chronic Health. Yes, you can be more mindful without a formal practice of meditation or yoga. It simply takes the intention to do so.