If anyone should be an expert at self isolation, it’s astronauts. Spending weeks or months holed up in a confined space with others, physically disconnected from the natural world and everyone else they know and love, astronauts have to develop strategies to cope, stay healthy, and stay sane.

Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield spent 166 days in space and offered this advice:

1. Understand the actual risk – fear is not helpful; look to credible sources to find out the real level of risk
2. What’s your mission? – pick a mission and decide on what you hope to achieve (learn a language, complete a project, learn a skill)
3. Look at your constraints – beyond social distancing, consider other factors like financial resources
4. Take action -start acting, whether caring for others, learning something new: “It’s a chance to do something different”

“Take care of yourself. Take care of your family. Take care of your friends. Take care of your spaceship.”

To read more about Hadfield’s advice, click here.

Astronaut Leroy Chiao spent over 229 days in space. Here are his suggestions:

1. See the bigger picture – set realistic expectations, what resources do you have to help you prepare mentally
2. Make sure operations (surroundings) are in order – everything is working (within reason), tidy, organized, comfortable
3. Take stock of supplies – don’t panic buy, set expectations,
4. Keep channels of communication open – stay connected
5. Keep your spirits up – do things to help each other, use humor, share

One thing astronauts cannot do is go for a walk in the park and enjoy nature. Some relaxed by listening to recordings of birds or watching videos of nature. We can do that ourselves by going for a walk in the park (if you are allowed outside).

Also, although things have improved greatly, we generally have much more access to audio and video communications here on earth. Reach out and connect with friends, family, and acquaintances. You will both feel better if you do.

Stay safe, stay sane, and stay connected (at a safe minimum distance).