What hobbies help astronauts unwind in space?
Aboard the International Space Station,
astronauts take the idea of working from home to a new level.
Their workdays typically span 12 to 14 hours.
But how they spend their scheduled free time is up to them.
What's important is preserving
their mental health and finding outlets to relax and de-stress.
Some astronauts
bring their musical talents to orbit, serenading colleagues and seeking harmony
some 250 miles above Earth.
And speaking of Earth, snapping photos of our planetary wonders
or the cosmos has become
a popular hobby for many astronauts, especially in the station's cupola.
There, they can refine their photography skills
and reconnect with home as they peer at it from a unique vantage point.
Fitness is another staple. Crews workout for about two hours
each day to maintain bone and muscle density and heart health.
But exercising also helps maintain mental relaxation and well-being.
And sometimes it's really just fun.
Just like on Earth, sports can foster a sense of community
and break up the workday.
In microgravity, crews have tossed around a rugby ball,
attempted ping pong, and even channeled their inner Olympians.
But when we go to the Moon and Mars, astronauts will face longer
periods of time in deep space and be confined to smaller spacecraft,
making mental health care an even greater priority.
But astronauts are experts at adapting and may find new outlets.
Who knows,
maybe harmonicas and other pocket-sized hobbies will become new favorites.