Buzz
Feeling overwhelmed and isolated? Consider living in a cramped area, no larger than a standard apartment, situated two hundred and fifty miles above Earth, for half a year or more.
Astronauts can't stroll around the block, visit the supermarket weekly, or order meals from their preferred eateries. Depending on the mission, they might share this limited space with up to five colleagues, performing highly scheduled tasks under continuous observation.
Consequently, astronauts have devised methods to manage stress and isolation, many of which are relevant to our present circumstances.
We had the opportunity to speak with D. Marshall Porterfield, a professor of agricultural and biological engineering at Purdue University. Porterfield spent five years as NASA's division director for Space Life and Physical Sciences, collaborating with astronauts in confined environments.
Here are some of his key suggestions:
Establish a daily routine
“Astronauts follow a strict timetable of daily tasks,” Porterfield explains. Their schedules are broken into five-minute intervals, encompassing maintenance duties, scientific experiments, and educational outreach. This structured approach helps astronauts maintain a sense of normalcy and order.
“If you’re working remotely, sticking to a consistent routine is crucial,” Porterfield advises. This involves maintaining regular hours, dedicating time to family, and incorporating physical exercise into your day.
Maintain an active lifestyle
Astronauts dedicate up to two hours daily to physical exercise. This is crucial because the absence of gravity leads to a reduction in muscle strength and bone density. Engaging in regular exercise also offers mental health benefits, such as reducing feelings of depression.
If you haven't established a consistent exercise regimen, consider this an ideal opportunity to begin. Even with gyms inaccessible, numerous exercises can be effectively performed in the comfort of your home. Discover a routine that suits your preferences and schedule a regular time for it.
Stay in touch with friends and family through calls, emails, or texts
Despite being thousands of miles from Earth, astronauts on the International Space Station manage to keep in touch with their families through calls and emails, ensuring they remain emotionally connected.
“Reaching out to someone who is alone, whether through a phone call or an email, to show you care can make a significant difference,” Porterfield explains. “These small gestures carry immense emotional weight.”
Find a meaningful purpose
Porterfield emphasizes the importance of having a clear objective. “Astronauts understand that their collective efforts contribute to a larger mission, one that propels humanity forward through advancements in space exploration.”
For those staying at home, the objective is distinct yet equally vital. Practicing social distancing helps slow the transmission of COVID-19, preventing healthcare systems from becoming overwhelmed. It reduces the risk of loved ones falling ill and ensures that adequate resources are available for those who need medical attention.
“We all share a common mission: to flatten the curve,” Porterfield states. “This is a collective effort, and we’re in it together.”
