The following article was written by Scott Kelly, a retired NASA astronaut who served one year at the International Space Station.
Being stuck at home can be challenging. Living at the International Space Station was not easy. When I went to sleep, I was at work. When I woke up, I was at work again. Flying into space is probably the only job you absolutely cannot neglect.
But I learned a few things during that time, and I want to share them with you because they can help you now that we all stay home to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Follow at set times
At the space station, my time was planned, from the moment I woke up and until I went to sleep. Sometimes this involved eight-hour to five-minute work. You need to have a plan that can help you and your family adapt to a new work and living environment.
But calm yourself down
When working and living in the same place, work should have its space. Living in space, I deliberately calmed myself down because I knew I would be there for a long time - just like we all do today. Take time out for fun activities. I talked to friends and watched Game of Thrones. I saw it twice. And don't forget to get enough sleep. NASA scientists place great importance on sleep because sleep is linked to physical and mental health.
You must have a hobby
When you are confined within a country, you need a hobby. People are surprised when we are told that we take books with us into space. You can either start practicing an instrument (I just bought a guitar), or try something new.
Keep a diary
NASA has been studying the effects of isolation on humans for decades, and one surprising finding is that keeping a journal is worth it. During my 1-year mission, I received a journal to write about my experience every day. If you find yourself chronicling the events of the day, don't worry. You can begin to unfold the experience through all the senses. Of course you may not intend to publish it as a book, but it will help you express and keep yourself busy.
?Connect? with others
Even with all the responsibilities of being a space station commander, there has never been a day for me not to call family and friends. Scientists have found that isolation damages mental, but also physical, and especially the immune system. Technology makes it easier to keep in touch with people, so you should take the time to talk to someone.
Listen to the experts
I have learned that if rockets run smoothly, I have to ask a rocket special. Social networks do not always have confirmed sources, so fake information does no good to anyone.
We are all together
When you look at it from space, the Earth has no boundaries. The spread of cronavirus is telling us that what unites us is greater than what separates us. We are all inevitably interconnected. One of the "side effects" of seeing the Earth from space is the feeling of compassion in me. I've seen people come together more than ever these days. I know we will succeed.
Oh, even wash your hands - often.
