NASA psychologist shares mental health strategies used by astronauts in space

NASA astronauts use specific mental health strategies to cope with the challenges of space missions. Operational psychologist Anna Morgenthaler emphasizes the importance of shifting from a perfectionist mindset to a learning mindset to enhance adaptability during long missions. Astronauts participate in scheduled psychological sessions every two weeks to address mental health issues. They can also request additional support, utilizing private spaces on the International Space Station for these video calls to ensure confidentiality. Breathing techniques, such as squared breathing, help astronauts manage stress and maintain focus during high-pressure situations. These methods are designed to calm the body and support emotional regulation while working in the demanding environment of space.