The secrets of astronauts for successful containment

Confinement, for most of us, is an experience never lived. But astronauts know a lot about it. They who sometimes spend several months away from their loved ones and our Planet. Without possibility of exit. Today, they share their experiences to help us overcome our difficulties.

We have now had to deal with the containment measures decided by the government to contain the Covid-19 pandemic. Some live better than others. Yet all of us can benefit from expert advice in matter in order to overcome the difficulties that lie ahead while we are only at the beginning of this period of social distancing. The experts in question here are not quarantine theorists but men and women who have been confronted with a strict containment and sometimes very long: astronauts.

Thus, this Thursday, March 26 – from 7 p.m. for the French version -, theESA gives us an appointment on his WebTV. The #SpaceConnectsUs – a hashtag that already allows you to ask your questions – will be an opportunity to gather advice from space explorers, artists and scientists to best manage containment.

But some astronauts have taken the lead. Here is what they recommend.

Structuring time

First there is the very pragmatic Scott Kelly, this American astronaut who holds the record for the longest stay ever made on board the International space station (ISS). He recommends that we structure the time we spend in confinement. Respect meal and bed schedules. Working hours too, to allow time for relaxation.

And, in this area, what he recommends above all, for children in particular, is reading which "Stimulates their imagination and opens them to the world". Without forgetting to keep in touch with family and friends. By videoconference particular and to make sure that isolation physical don't rhyme with insulation social.

Live together

Anne McClain – also suspected of identity theft from space – spent several months on board the ISS between December 2018 and June 2019. On Twitter, it precisely delivers the skills that the crews of the Nasa learn to develop in order to best live periods of confinement. Five skills on which we will now have to rely too.

Good communication is at the center of everything. Speak and listen. Share your emotions. Don't be afraid of conflicts. Acknowledge wrongs. Peggy Whitson, another astronaut confirms this on CBS: “It is very important to be able to interact well with the people with whom you are confined. " In 2017, it broke the record for the number of days spent in space: 665 in total!

Other teaching ofNASA experience in terms of containment: to function well, a group needs a leader and followers. These two roles are essential and everyone must assume them according to their personality. All with a common goal: to find solutions that will help the group overcome difficulties.

NASA also recalls that before taking care of others, you must know how to take care of yourself. Of his physical and psychological health. Know how to take time for yourself. Know how to rest. Decrease stress. Find your own balance.

It is only on the condition of being yourself in peace that you can take care of your group. And to do this, be patient and respectful of the aspirations and difficulties of others. Each person's roles and responsibilities. Encourage everyone. Keep calm. Propose joint activities. Offer help … but also accept the help we are offered.

Because, for NASA, the secret of successful containment seems to lie in cooperation. How we will manage to build a group culture from the personal culture of each of its members.

Recommendations that we may well be tempted to continue to apply, even after confinement …

See containment as an opportunity

Chris Hadfield is a Canadian astronaut. He spent five months on board the ISS. And on its chain Youtube, he reveals some of his secrets for keeping morale high, even in a situation as far from real life as that of the confinement we are currently experiencing. According to him, it is, first of all, beneficial to understand the situation well by obtaining information from reliable sources. Objective: calm his fear.

Chris Hadfield then advises setting goals for the day, for the week, for the month to come. While taking into account the particular constraints that are ours today.

The idea seems to be that of remaining, despite everything, actors in our lives, by learning a new language, by writing our history or simply by reading a book. “It's a chance to do something different. Especially since, thanks to Internet, the whole world is within your reach ", he remarked very rightly.

Find a higher interest

Peggy Whitson looks on the same wave length. “You have to make the most of the situation. Do all of these things that you usually don't have time to do. "

And it also reveals a little secret that helps astronauts stay positive when they are far from everything and everyone: the awareness of working for a higher interest. “In space, we are working to advance science. It's a strong motivation. And there is perhaps an even stronger motivation today to stay confined in our homes: that of save lives ! Understanding this goal that goes beyond us will help us continue to accept the difficult situation we are living in today ”, she says again on the CBS antenna.

And, by way of conclusion, the astronauts are unanimous on the most important advice to convey: “Take care of yourself and others. Stay health home. "

This will also interest you

Getting the most out of containment " Stay health home ! This is the watchword launched by the authorities to fight against the spread of the coronavirus responsible for the Covid-19 pandemic. And there are millions of us now living in a new situation, that of confinement. To get out of it at best, perhaps it must be lived as one more human experience.

Did you like this article ? Don't hesitate to share it with your friends and help us to promote ABSMARTHEALTH :)! The editorial team thanks you.

Discover more future smart health innovation/ with AB SMART HEALTH

The post The secrets of astronauts for successful containment appeared first on Smart Be Well.