Yoga and Meditation in the Private Sphere of Astronauts: Non-Pharmaceutical Measures of Resilience in Social Isolation and Confinement
Mitteilungen Klosterneuburg January 1, 2025 David W. Kim
Managing the balance between public duties and private time is essential for astronaut well-being and mission success on long-duration spaceflights. This paper argues that non-pharmaceutical activities such as yoga and meditation can enhance psychological resilience and vitality among crews, mitigating risks from social isolation and confinement. Safeguarding private time for sleep, rest, and leisure, except during emergencies, supports mental health under extreme environments. Optimizing this balance is critical for future lunar and Martian expeditions.