Canada's favourite astronaut is letting everybody in on the secrets of not only self-isolating but also being productive and happy at the same time.

Chris Hadfield was the first Canadian to walk in space and has flown two Space Shuttle missions. He also served as commander of the International Space Station, during which time he gained a large following by sharing about life in space and posting videos of him playing guitar on the space station to social media.

"It's an extremely dangerous environment, up on board the Space Station," Hadfield says in a video he posted to YouTube. But, he says, despite the dangers around them "we find a way to thrive and be productive that far away from our normal lives."

Hadfield says astronauts rely on four simple things to carry out a successful mission.

1. Know the risk

"Understand the actual risk," Hadfield says. He says that simply being afraid of something isn't helpful at all. 

"Go to a credible source and find out what is truly the risk that you're facing right now."

You can find the latest details on COVID-19 in Alberta from credible sources at the top of this page.

2. Choose goals

"What's your mission for right now?" Hadfield asks.

He says to ask yourself what you're trying to accomplish, whether that's for the day, the week, or month, and make that clear to yourself.

3. Constraints

Looking at the limitations given your circumstances will help you choose how to best complete your mission.

"Who's telling you what you need to do? What financial resources do you have? What are your obligations?"

4. Take action!

"Once you understand the risk, and your mission - your sense of purpose - and your obligations, then take action."

Hadfield says people need to simply start doing things.

"They don't have to be the things that you always did before. Take care of family, start a new project, learn to play guitar, study another language, read a book, write, create. It's a chance to do something different that you've maybe not done before. And then repeat.

'Never a better time to self-isolate'

While the thought of staying inside and away from people may not be the most appealing option to many, Hadfield says it's the best possible time it could happen.

Hadfield encourages people that may have come in contact with COVID-19 to self-isolate and for those with symptoms to contact a doctor. In Alberta, contact Alberta Health Services by calling 811.

"So many people have access to the internet that you have the entire written work of everything, all the body of knowledge, right there at your fingertips. So take care of yourself. Take care of your family, take care of your friends, take care of your spaceship."