Your Family Is Your Team: Former Astronaut Chris Hadfield Advises on Coping with Isolation

(Patria) – Canadian Chris Hadfield is a retired astronaut and former commander of the International Space Station.

He spent 166 days in space, all the time in confined spaces with colleagues, without the possibility of sticking his head out for some fresh air.

Chris offered several tips on how to cope with home isolation during the coronavirus pandemic.

1. Analyze the actual risk. Learn everything you need to know about the virus – what causes it, how it is transmitted, how you can minimize the chances of getting infected, what the symptoms are, what you should do if you notice symptoms. This way you will know how to react, instead of just hoping it won't happen... That's not how astronauts manage spacecraft.

2. Give each day a specific structure. Divide the day into parts and set goals. If I'm staying home for a week, or a month, what can I achieve, finish during that time? What would I really like to do during that time, and then start tackling them one by one...

Chris says that's how astronauts behave and live on spacecraft.

– We face dangers, then we give ourselves tasks to work on, so that each day is fulfilling and productive.

This former astronaut says he is currently working with a research team on developing the capability to detect the coronavirus by pressing the fingertip on a light sensor.

He also spends time with his granddaughter, who lives in China, and works on numerous small 'projects' at home, such as repairs.

What frustrates him are people in general in the current situation (including himself) because they are no longer behaving normally.

– The environment is tense, there is less natural diversity, says Chris, and he advises all of us: 'create your own spacecraft at home, your own crew, and treat them as members of your team. Don't forget that you are going through all this together. That's exactly how we work on a spacecraft – with a lot of respect, compassion, and time for others. I think that can help in days of isolation,' advises former astronaut Chris Hadfield.

 

(Source Euronews)