Client newsletter | Staying productive during quarantine | 01/05/2020
This week we have focused on isolation and how for some, this is a way of life due to their chosen profession! Imagine being in the shoes of an astronaut! We found this great article which offers some very useful tips on how to cope with being at home…
For astronauts such as Scott Kelly, who spent a grand total of 340 days in space, away from everyone and everything he cared about, the concept of isolation simply meant honing his procedures in order to stay sane and productive. Reading about the astronauts coping mechanisms was really interesting and insightful. He had to work so much harder to give the day clarity, focus and definition.
Here are his top tips:
Set and honour a time to stop working
“When you are living and working in the same place for days on end, work can have a way of taking over everything if you let it," Kelly told NBC. His advice is to pace yourself, structure your working hours and know when it’s the end of the day. Set an alarm and when the work day ends, step away from your workspace and into your home life – like you’re coming away from the office.
Cultivate a new hobby or pick up an old one
Exercising your mental agility isn’t just about staring at documents or Excel spread sheets all day. You need time to flex your brain and challenge yourself away from work. This means allotting time to creative endeavours. From writing a diary to playing the saxophone, carving out segments of your day to better yourself or improve on a personal hobby is essential. Kelly, for example, brought a selection of books with him. "The quiet and absorption you can find in a physical book – one that doesn't ping you with notifications or tempt you to open a new tab – is priceless," he said.
Schedule video events with friends and family
Regardless of whether you’re hundreds of miles above your friends and family orbiting earth or a few miles away, not being able to physically see them takes its toll. However, with the help of modern technology, both situations can be remarkably effectively remedied. Skype, Microsoft Teams, Slack and Houseparty are all solutions to being able to chat with colleagues and loved ones over video calls. “Even with all the responsibilities of serving as commander of a space station, I never missed the chance to have a videoconference with family and friends," Kelly said.
Go outside
As an astronaut, popping out to the local shops isn’t quite as feasible as it is for those on earth. So, embrace this.
At the time of writing, the Government not only allows a period of allotted outside exercise, but actively promotes it – keeping in mind social distancing measures. Going for a walk, a run or a bike ride can completely change your mind set and stop your home feeling like a prison. Use the time given to you.
Kelly stated that leaving the space station was one of the most nerve-wracking experiences he faced, but also one of the most freeing.
Reading this was very uplifting and made me think about cherishing the freedom I do have. This week feels really positive as companies are starting to recruit again – it definitely feels as though the light is on at the end of the tunnel!
Wishing everyone a happy and healthy weekend!