Yoga and Meditation in the Private Sphere of Astronauts: Non-Pharmaceutical Measures of Resilience in Social Isolation and Confinement

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.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Since the inception of space exploration from the 1950s, the selection of astronauts has been a critical component along with technological advancements in rocket and spacecraft development. As missions began to extend beyond six months in the 2010s, the management of daily schedules— particularly in terms of striking a balance between public duties and private time—became essential for sustainable productivity and well-being among astronauts. As space lacks natural day and night cycles, questions have emerged regarding daily routines, the structure of personal time and its potential impact on astronautical performance. Astronaut’s management of private time—sleep, rest and leisure—may significantly influence their mental health and the overall success of a mission. This study explores time management strategies for future deep space explorations, including lunar and Martian expeditions in the 2030s. While official schedules are meticulously structured—covering operations, scientific research, maintenance, training, exercise and meals—safeguards for private time remains in place, except during emergencies. The role of this private sphere extends beyond basic rest, thus contributing to human health under extreme environments. In addition to analysing the competitiveness of personal time, this paper argues a new hypothesis that non-pharmaceutical activities of yoga (physical movement) and meditation (mental sustainability) can enhance resilience and psychological vitality among the crews. These feasible practices, although outside the scope of traditional STEM frameworks, may mitigate key internal risks in the space condition of social isolation and confinement. Understanding and optimising the balance between private and public times could be imperative in maintaining the health, safety and team performance of astronauts on future interplanetary missions.