Ten tips on how to deal with staying in confined spaces

(To Marina Militare)
14/04/20

The restrictions on public and relationship life imposed by the Covid-19 virus pandemic containment measures are leading to predictable unease for large sections of the Italian population. The transition from a dynamic life, from a relational and working point of view, to a much more limited one in terms of spaces, times and freedom of action naturally has a considerable emotional and psychological impact.

This reality is not at all new for peculiar professions, such as that of the submariner, which take place in conditions of extreme isolation, such as those of a spaceship.

The underwater component contributes to the collective effort that the Italian Navy is making every day to overcome the difficulties due to the virus, with a small transfer of experiences in the field addressing all individuals and families, to help them adapt to isolation and spaces confined.

Live on a submarine

Submarines are one of the most fascinating but also the most extreme working environments in the military world. The complexity of the equipment and the particularity of the missions carried out by the submarines determine a professional environment particularly rich in challenges, where errors or distractions can have fatal consequences.

However, the safety of the vessel and its effectiveness at sea are not the result of technology alone, but depend strictly on the performance of each member of the crew and the team as a whole. In spite of the demanding conditions of use, it is necessary that every person on board contributes to creating and maintaining a peaceful and constructive environment, indispensable for reducing the typical stressors of life under water: confined spaces, isolation from family affections, isolation from communication technologies (editor's note there is no "signal" and not even "Wifi") and responsibility.

These four factors contribute to creating a clear separation between the way of life "before" going out to sea, and that "during" the mission in the abysses. The vigorous detachment between these two worlds occurs spontaneously for the submariner, thanks to rigorous training and progressive adaptation.

However, isolation and coexistence in confined spaces, typical of a submarine, are amply balanced by the crews through "management strategies" that allow a quick and peaceful adaptation. These are all the more effective when applied at home, considering that the current restrictions for Covid-19 do not affect the use of social media or the possibility of purchasing basic necessities.

How to adapt to isolation and confined spaces

Isolation and adaptation to confined spaces are two of the few tools currently available to institutions to counter the spread of the Covid-19 virus. This awareness must push each of us to internalize the mission in favor of our loved ones and those we care about. Perceiving the new "confined and isolated" lifestyle as a mission, and not as an imposition, is the first step to begin a process of rapid adaptation. In fact, every submariner faces periods at sea with the motivation and awareness that his own sacrifice (and that of his family) is at the service of the safety of the country.

The isolation in confined spaces, and the different lifestyle that follows, however, offer opportunities that cannot be seized in normal times. A typical submarine mission involves about a month of patrolling in which the many distractions of modern life stop. For example, disconnection from social networks offers the opportunity to recover time and mental space to devote themselves to their passions: the crews, it must be said, are full of cooks, artisans and improvised artists. A completely new lifestyle, despite its limited movements, could be a unique opportunity to regain possession of one's "inner" spaces, to devote to passions suppressed by the accumulation of commitments.

However, this new path of life cannot begin without the search for a new and effective routine that allows us to normalize, what is not normal. Humans are adaptable, but they need a routine that regulates the circadian cycles - sleep and wakefulness - and gives the "certainty" that all is well. Life on a submarine is regulated by strict schedules and continuous training and maintenance activities. Every moment spent underwater has its own logic: you work, eat, sleep, do sports, train and then start over. Spending time in an effective routine allows you not to feel the weight of the passing days and avoid the temptation of the "countdown". For families forced into homes by Covid -19, and with children, it is therefore crucial to create a new routine that involves everyone, as if they were a crew on a mission.

Small tasks for everyone, written assignments to increase cultural background, indoor sports, gardening (even on the balcony), high standards in the kitchen and in house cleaning ... and the evening will come without almost anyone noticing. The more commitments and goals set at home, the less bored and frustrated you feel. A busy crew is a happy crew.

Once we have established our family routine, however, we must not forget every now and then ... to break it, celebrating a small happy event or a personal result. Birthdays, name days, a new record on the playstation, the birth of a distant nephew, are all occasions that are celebrated on board with a solemnity perhaps unimaginable in "terrestrial" life. In these circumstances, one also learns to appreciate an apple pie with "recycled" candles.

Finally, we must never forget that we are human beings and therefore we need to remain connected to our network of friends and affections. Technology today makes it possible to reduce distances, even if only virtually, and remain united. A submariner on a mission can, as a rule, exchange a couple of short emails a week with his family: an event that, despite its fleetingness, is always full of positive emotions and energy.

Finally, let's not neglect to start planning our future after Covid-19, because this mission, like all the others - even the most difficult - has a beginning but also an end.

Here is the handbook of submarines of the Navy to better face periods of isolation in confined spaces:

1. Make isolation an opportunity, time is precious and does not go back.

2. Take time for yourself and cultivate your passions.

3. Establish your routine and involve the whole family.

4. Stay in shape, 30 minutes a day is enough.

5. Plan your shopping and the menu to eat in a healthy and balanced way.

6. Spend part of your time taking care of your spaces. It will help you handle everything else.

7. Every now and then breaks the daily routine, it will serve to start again with more motivation.

8. Keep your network of social and emotional relationships active.

9. Face the day with a "smile": it is a very effective medicine.

10. Think about what you will do in your future, it is the only thing you can really change for the better!