Who knows more about self-isolating in a dangerous environment than astronauts? Seriously, if anyone knows how to do it for a very long time without going nuts, it's our amazing team of space travelers.
Well, former Space Station commander Chris Hadfield got on YouTube and shared some pointers on how to get through this and astronaut Scott Kelly shared some great tips, too. Here are seven things they say you should do:
1. Do your research, understand the situation, and listen to the experts. They say don't just be afraid. Find reliable sources and know the true risks you're facing. Having a good grasp on it can help you manage any anxiety you might be having.
2. Choose some goals, identify the obstacles, and attack those goals. Think about what you want to accomplish today, this week, and this month. We can't do certain things right now, but moving forward is important, so new hobbies are a great idea.
3. Follow a schedule- Dr. Oz told us how important this was on-the-air the other day too. If we're in this for the long haul, you don't want to drift through each day without a plan. Having some structure really helps.
4. Pace yourself- Don't try to do too much each day or you'll get burned out quickly. Remind yourself to take breaks and make room for some fun. When Scott Kelly was on the Space Station, he binge-watched "Game of Thrones" twice. So, don't feel guilty if you're having a little fun.
5. Get outside if you can- Obviously, they can't do it in space and it's one of the things they miss most. So, if you can't go outside, just crack a window. Or do can do what they do on the Space Station, they play a lot of nature sounds, like birds and trees rustling in the wind.
6. Keep a journal- NASA has been studying the effects of self-isolation for decades and they've found it's one of the best ways to stop cabin fever.
7. Take time to connect with your loved ones. Video calls with friends and family are huge for astronauts. So, take advantage of it and appreciate how lucky we are, even it's just a quick "Hello" on Facetime.
