Settling into a new regime of self-isolation isn’t going to be easy for any of us, especially those of us that have never worked from home before, but if there’s someone who knows what to expect it is Commander Chris Hadfield.
The Canadian astronaut spent around five long months aboard the International Space Station (ISS) thousands of miles from human civilisation and any healthy, civilised life.
Astronauts go through state of the art training on physical and mental wellbeing to prepare correctly for their time in space.
They’re confined in a tiny space and reduce their physical contact with other people.
The rest of their communications happen via phone and video chats. Sound familiar? Commander Hadfield has shared a YouTube video with the essential measures we must all take to stay sane while self-isolating at home.
You can watch the video above, and thankfully Cmdr Hadfield is very concise about the steps to follow.
The first piece of advice is to understand the risk – read up on the coronavirus, covid-19 and the official government advice to understand exactly what you should & shouldn’t do.
Secondly, the astronaut says you need to have an objective to accomplish while you’re in isolation. This may mean carrying on, as usual, a routine as you can – so trying to work, socialise, exercise and be creative as much as you can.
The obvious step is that you absoluely should not leave your house, flat or apartment for any reason other than what’s essential.
Seeing friends and family is completely off the list as is any shopping other than for food or medicine. You can and should workout, but again, there are constraints there. None of this is fun or ideal, but it will save lives and is only temporary.
We’ve included a video of Joe Wicks which gives you some more ideas on exercises that you can participate in whilst in self isolation.
The most important part, Hadfield says you need to take action. Sitting around in lockdown to end isn’t going to help the time pass faster or make it more enjoyable.
So, whether it’s implementing an indoor workout or learning a new hobby like playing a musical instrument or writing: now is the time.
Thank you Joe .
You have kick started me back to regular exercise.
Thank you, Joe Wicks ..live in somerset and my daughter and grandchildren live in Cornwall we have been following your pe sessions each morning .through face time I can exercise with my grandchildren and daughter each weekday. My name is Anne and my daughter is Nancy with her 9yr old daughter Bella and 7yr old son Mathew.