Few grasp the challenges of prolonged isolation quite like those who have spent time in orbit. Three former astronauts recently offered their hard-earned wisdom to individuals currently under quarantine restrictions.
With the pandemic forcing the closure of virtually every public venue, countless individuals have suddenly found themselves cut off from both leisure activities and steady employment. While such circumstances feel foreign to most, a handful of professionals have navigated comparable conditions throughout their careers. Below, three astronauts share the techniques they honed during their missions — strategies that may help anyone endure a stretch of self-isolation (per NASA).
Peggy Whitson
As the first woman ever to command the International Space Station, this NASA biochemist logged a remarkable 665 days orbiting Earth. Whitson emphasizes that confinement becomes manageable when you maintain harmony with the people sharing your space.
Photo: NASA
Prioritize self-growth: assign domestic responsibilities fairly, refine your parenting methods, and cultivate stronger bonds with relatives or housemates.
Establish a clear objective: concentrating on a defined mission helps preserve focus and optimism.
Keep yourself occupied: idle stretches can erode mental health, so tackle tasks you previously lacked time for.
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Chris Hadfield
This Canadian astronaut points out that even amid the anxiety self-isolation brings, lockdown hours can become genuinely enriching with the help of online resources.
Avoid falling for misinformation: identify trustworthy outlets and assess how risky your actual circumstances truly are.
Embrace novelty: introduce some diversity into your routine by experimenting with activities you've never attempted. Pick up the guitar, study a foreign tongue, dive into books, start writing, or explore creative pursuits. Quarantine provides the perfect opening to finally explore interests you've long postponed.
Scott Kelly
Kelly's extended orbital stays left lasting biological marks — his chromosomes shifted and his DNA suffered damage. His firsthand experience offers particularly valuable guidance during these trying moments.
Stick to a schedule: adhering to a steady daily rhythm assists both you and your family in adjusting to altered circumstances.
Reconnect with family and friends: use this opportunity to reach out to relatives or companions you haven't spoken with in ages.
Although the virus has disrupted nearly every facet of daily life and continues its spread — having already infected more than one million people worldwide — adopting the techniques practiced by astronauts could meaningfully enhance your experience during quarantine.
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