1
00:00:00,959 --> 00:00:03,837
What hobbies help astronauts unwind in space?

2
00:00:03,837 --> 00:00:05,964
Aboard the International Space Station,

3
00:00:05,964 --> 00:00:09,426
astronauts take the idea of working from home to a new level.

4
00:00:09,467 --> 00:00:12,470
Their workdays typically span 12 to 14 hours.

5
00:00:12,637 --> 00:00:15,640
But how they spend their scheduled free time is up to them.

6
00:00:15,640 --> 00:00:17,142
What's important is preserving

7
00:00:17,142 --> 00:00:20,353
their mental health and finding outlets to relax and de-stress.

8
00:00:20,895 --> 00:00:21,855
Some astronauts

9
00:00:21,855 --> 00:00:25,650
bring their musical talents to orbit, serenading colleagues and seeking harmony

10
00:00:25,692 --> 00:00:28,319
some 250 miles above Earth.

11
00:00:28,319 --> 00:00:31,698
And speaking of Earth, snapping photos of our planetary wonders

12
00:00:31,698 --> 00:00:33,074
or the cosmos has become

13
00:00:33,074 --> 00:00:36,995
a popular hobby for many astronauts, especially in the station's cupola.

14
00:00:37,328 --> 00:00:39,706
There, they can refine their photography skills

15
00:00:39,706 --> 00:00:43,001
and reconnect with home as they peer at it from a unique vantage point.

16
00:00:43,293 --> 00:00:46,755
Fitness is another staple. Crews workout for about two hours

17
00:00:46,755 --> 00:00:49,883
each day to maintain bone and muscle density and heart health.

18
00:00:50,258 --> 00:00:53,928
But exercising also helps maintain mental relaxation and well-being.

19
00:00:54,137 --> 00:00:56,264
And sometimes it's really just fun.

20
00:00:56,264 --> 00:00:59,225
Just like on Earth, sports can foster a sense of community

21
00:00:59,225 --> 00:01:00,643
and break up the workday.

22
00:01:00,643 --> 00:01:03,646
In microgravity, crews have tossed around a rugby ball,

23
00:01:03,855 --> 00:01:07,358
attempted ping pong,
and even channeled their inner Olympians.

24
00:01:08,526 --> 00:01:11,863
But when we go to the Moon and Mars, astronauts will face longer

25
00:01:11,863 --> 00:01:15,241
periods of time in deep space and be confined to smaller spacecraft,

26
00:01:15,450 --> 00:01:18,078
making mental health care an even greater priority.

27
00:01:18,078 --> 00:01:21,247
But astronauts are experts at adapting and may find new outlets.

28
00:01:21,498 --> 00:01:22,332
Who knows,

29
00:01:22,332 --> 00:01:25,877
maybe harmonicas and other pocket-sized hobbies will become new favorites.