Tackling Isolation: Words of Advice from the Outer Space.

There’s an uncanny parallel between us ‘’earthlings’’ during this StayAtHome period and the Astronauts orbiting 400 KMs above our planet, in the International Space Station(ISS)-We are all having to live in confined spaces for a long period of time.

ISRO,NASA and the other space agencies are planning farther,more ambitious projects-like the manned mission to Mars-where the ‘’Chosen Ones’’ would have to endure travelling in isolation in a capsule like environment for months together ,and that too just to reach the destination.

Extraordinary circumstances-extraordinary measures? Detailed studies made by the Space Agencies suggest on the contrary.

Surviving ,even thriving ,in Isolation is no rocket science ,if we stick to some basics.Suggestions shared by some astronauts make for interesting read:

Find A Higher Purpose.

Or Simply put-find a greater meaning of the circumstances. For astronauts- they realize that their work is helping in advancement of the human knowledge and exploration .Our own homebound situation has a higher meaning as well.Covid is giving us a higher purpose ,much like being in space does-We are Saving other Lives by quarantining ourselves.

Be Your Own Taskmaster

Stick to a routine.So much of our lives before the StayAtHome had been cluttered and superbusy.Now however is the right time to develop mini-missions for our unexplored passions.What about things you would do if you had more time?To read,Poetry,Art,Carpentry..things that we always had in the back of our mind ..but never the luxury of time ?Iam personally pursuing the Japanese art of Paper folding-Origami.

Excercise

Regular Pumping up is not only good for physical health but for mental wholesomeness as well.Only a Sound Body can nestle a sound mind.We may need to get a bit creative to elevate our heart beat ,without heading to the gym.I stay on the 9th floor and am improvising ..avoiding the elevator as much as possible,using staircase instead.

Dress up to the Occasion.

Monotony may result in lethargy which further runs a risk of leading to a shabby upkeep. Studies suggest that suiting up nicely ,and keeping personal hygiene in top order not only enlivens your mood, confidence and productivity, it keeps the other family /team members in good spirit as well . 

In the end we need to take care of ourself, take care of our family , friends and our spaceship :) Would be interesting to know how you are coping -up !

? Wishing all a happy landing!