Coping with Isolation: Tips from Astronauts

Chances are, you are feeling tense and lonely right now. Now imagine that you live in a small enclosed space 400 kilometers above the Earth for six months. Astronauts cannot walk around the house, go to the supermarket once a week, or order food delivery from their favorite restaurant. And also, depending on the mission, they have to share this small space with five people. And at the same time carry out their duties, scheduled by the minute, and be constantly monitored.

To cope with the stress that is inevitable in such conditions, astronauts have special strategies. Marshal Porterfield, who headed NASA's department of life in space and physical activity for five years, told which ones would be useful for people living in self-isolation.

1. Make a daily routine

Crew members live on a strict schedule. For astronauts, the day is divided into intervals of 5 minutes, for example: maintenance, experiments, training, communication with the Earth. It helps maintain a sense of normalcy and brings order to life.

“If you work from home, it's important to stick to your normal routine,” says Porterfield. Try to stick to your usual schedule, setting aside time for the same things as usual, such as socializing with your family, hobbies, or playing sports.

2. Add physical activity

Astronauts go in for sports up to 2 hours daily. This is necessary because in zero gravity conditions, muscle mass and bone density decrease. But physical activity has the added bonus of reducing the risk of depression.

If you haven't exercised regularly before, now is the time to start. Try yoga, strength training, cardio. Find what you like and practice several times a week.

3. Call and text

Astronauts aboard the ISS are thousands of kilometers from their loved ones and, in order to keep in touch, they call and write to them. Take an example from them and be sure to communicate with family and friends. “If you know someone is living alone, call or write to let me know what you think of them,” advises Porterfield. "This communication is very powerful."

4. Remind yourself of your goal

It helps to hold on. Astronauts know that their work contributes to the common good, their work allows mankind to explore space.

Those who are now sitting at home have a completely different goal, but no less important. Maintaining social distance helps slow the spread of the coronavirus and avoid unnecessary strain on hospitals. Self-isolation reduces the risk of your loved ones getting sick. And if any of them do become infected, they are more likely to receive help.

“We have a mission. We are trying to straighten the curve of the spread of the virus, - reminds Porterfield. "We are all connected by this common cause."