It’s Lonely Out There: Social Isolation Tips From An Astronaut

by GoNews Desk 3 years ago Views 3038

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NASA has joined the global fight against the coronavirus. Here's a take on how the space agency is putting social isolation in context

NASA astronauts have been flying to space for more than 50 years and for nearly 20 years, crew members have been staying in space for months-long missions living on the International Space Station with only a few other people in about as much space as a six-bedroom house. Astronauts experience various aspects of social isolation and confinement during their missions.


NASA carefully selects crew members and trains and supports them to ensure they can work effectively as a team for six months. NASA also studies how isolation and confinement can alter astronauts’ individual and team health and performance as well as tests strategies to mitigate any negative impacts

Astronaut Anne McClain shared tips for cultivating skills and behaviors to successfully live in confined spaces for long periods of time.

The space station is not too far from home, orbiting about 250 miles above Earth and travelling at a mind-boggling speed of 27,000 kmph.

(Astronaut Anne McClain, Courtesy: NASA)

.An Astronaut’s Tips For Living in Space – Or Anywhere

Adapted from a Twitter Thread@AstroAnnimal by astronaut Anne McClain

( McClains's references to 'group' can also be applied to families and small teams working under quarantine conditions)

One thing astronauts have to be good at: living in confined spaces for long periods of time. Here are some tips for all who find yourself in a similar scenario.

Nearly 20 years successfully living on the International Space Station and more than 50 flying in space did not happen by accident. NASA astronauts and psychologists have examined what human behaviors create a healthy culture for living and working remotely in small groups. They narrowed it to five general skills and defined the associated behaviours for each skill. NASA astronauts call it “Expeditionary Behavior,” and they are part of everything we do. When it goes well, it's called “good EB.”

Here are a few good expeditionary behavior skills.

Communication

Definition: Communication means to talk so you are clearly understood. To listen,and question to understand. Actively listen, pick up on non-verbal cues. Identify, discuss, then work to resolve conflict.

To practice good communication EB, share information and feelings freely. Talk about your intentions before taking action. Use proper terminology. Discuss when your or others’ actions were not as expected. Take time to debrief after success or conflict. Listen, then restate messages to ensure they are understood. Admit when you are wrong.

Self-Care

Definition: Self-Care means keeping track of how healthy you are on psychological and physical levels. It includes hygiene, managing your time and your stuff, getting sleep, and maintaining your mood. Through self-care, you demonstrate your ability to be proactive to stay healthy.

To practice good Self-Care EB, realistically assess your own strengths and weaknesses, and their influence on the group. Learn from mistakes. Identify personal tendencies and their influence on your success or failure. Be open about your weaknesses and feelings. Take action to mitigate your own stress or negativity (don't pass it on to the group). Be social. Seek feedback. Balance work, rest, and personal time. Be organized.

Team Care

Definition: Team Care is how healthy the group is on psychological, physical and logistical levels. Recognize that this can be influenced by stress, fatigue, sickness, supplies, resources, workload, etc. Nurture optimal team performance despite challenges.

To practice good Team Care EB, demonstrate patience and respect. Encourage others. Monitor your team for signs of stress or fatigue. Encourage participation in team activities. Develop positive relationships. Volunteer for the unpleasant tasks. Offer and accept help. Share credit; take the blame.

Group Living

Definition: Group Living skills are how people cooperate and become a team to achieve a goal. Identify and manage different opinions, cultures, perceptions, skills and personalities. Demonstrate resilience in the face of difficulty.

To practice good Group Living EB, cooperate rather than compete. Actively cultivate group culture (use each individual's culture to build the whole). Respect roles, responsibilities and workload. Take accountability; give praise freely. Then work to ensure a positive team attitude. Keep calm in conflict.

You can be successful in confinement if you are intentional about your actions and deliberate about caring for your team. When we work together, we will continue to be #EarthStrong

(Content sourced from NASA)

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