What is Mercury Retrograde?
Mercury retrograde has increasingly become a buzz word in the past few years! But what is it?
Scientifically speaking, Mercury retrograde is an optical illusion where the planet changes its course and moves in the universe reversely when observed from Earth; Mercury is the fastest planet in the solar system. Retrograde motion happens approximately three to four times a year for about three weeks.
From an astrological perspective, Mercury is the planet said to rule communication, thoughts, and connections. The drastic change caused by Mercury retrograde creates energy turmoil, primarily influencing our “Relationships.” As a result, communication problems, misunderstandings in relationships, and technology could also be disrupted.
How Does Mercury Retrograde Affect Your Mind and Body?
Retrograde is Retrograding! Are you experiencing a brain-blocked state of mind, miscommunication, or technology breakdown? Mercury retrogrades can make you feel stressed and fuzzy. It is a period when people may feel out of balance mentally and physically.
About a week before the Mercury retrograde, highly sensitive people will start to feel the energy turbulence as the planet is in the process of reversing its course. When Mercury is retrograding in a backward motion, it can create a negative and ungrounded energy within us.
Energy Levels
Whether your energy level is higher or lower, the energy shift will make you feel like you are experiencing emotional turbulence. This turbulence is most often represented with nervousness, restlessness, unfocused attention, and anxiety. You may feel less motivated at work and want to disconnect from the social event or routine workout. “Nothing feels right” is a simple summary of Mercury retrograde.
Change in Diet
During the Mercury retrograde, the experience of mental and emotional turmoils can change the appetite. When anxiety or nervous energy comes to life, everyone handles it differently. Some may eat more to compensate for exhaustion, while others lose their appetite.
Sleep Disruption
Mercury retrograde does affect your sleep in a way, the same as anxiety. The interference events during the retrograding may produce negative feelings, which can cause sleep problems. Instead of getting a good night’s sleep, your mind may be busy racing through issues and concerns.
Skin Conditions
An increase in stress level will impact your overall well-being if you internalize the negative vibes without processing them healthily or productively. It influences the quality of your life, and the effects of lack of sleep will subsequently appear on your skin too; black eyes, dull and puffy skin.
Self-esteem sinks when we don’t feel good about ourselves.
How to Deal with the Feelings from Mercury Retrograde?
1. Self-Care Time!
Prioritizing mental health is vital when dealing with stress and anxiety. It signals us to pay attention to our mind, body, and heart without judgment. Invest in self-care that can benefit your mood and make you feel good, such as an outdoor nature walk, yoga retreat, journaling, vegan dinner with friends, and a weekend no-plan sleep-in. Perhaps a skincare night; put on a mask to restore hydration. Drink your favorite beverage, watch your favorite Netflix series, and listen to relaxing music.
2. Keep Calm, Think Before Speak
In Mercury retrograde, the most important part is maintaining a positive mind and attitude. When you have challenges in communication with friends or colleagues, perhaps try to take a step back, minimize emotional conflicts, pause before speaking, take a deep breath, collect thoughts, and choose your words mindfully. Keep calm!
Meditation or breathing exercises are great ways to calm our emotions and recenter the focus. Give yourself enough time. No need to rush!
3. Be Positive
The phenomenon of Mercury retrograde creates damage and forces people to leave their comfort zone. Looking at these events from a different perspective also makes new experiences and possible changes, which have nothing to do with right or wrong, but a better understanding of impermanence.
“Growing evidence suggests that positive psychology techniques can indeed be valuable in times of stress, grief, or other difficulties. They may alsohelp you develop the resilience to handle difficulties more easily and bounce back more rapidly after traumatic or unpleasant events.” –According to Harvard Health
4. Allow Yourself to Have Some Comfort Foods
There’s a connection between stress and our appetite. Stress can cause some people to ignore their hunger and lose track of their appetite. In contrast, some will become emotional eaters. Picking up a little comfort food is okay. Just be mindful of excessive sugar, caffeine, or alcohol.
For those who do not consume alcohol, moderate drinking is not encouraged. But one glass of white wine is not a bad idea, right? The research shows that a moderate intake of wine (no more than one glass a day) does have some health benefits. Ice cream and chocolate are on top of the comfort food list. Treat yourself within reason!
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5. Incorporate CBD into Your Daily Routine
Stick to your daily routine as much as possible, and don’t make major life decisions when feeling low and anxious. Incorporate CBD into your morning, nightly, and workout routines can improve your immune system and help manage pain and stress.
CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, which means it doesn’t get you high. Cannabinoids are the active chemical compounds in cannabis that activate the body’s natural endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is responsible for regulating homeostasis or maintaining a stable internal environment. It helps to regulate mood, appetite, sleep, and pain perception.
Related articles: CBD Wellness
6. Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils extracted from plants for the purpose of promoting physical and emotional well-being. Essential oils are believed to have therapeutic properties that can help reduce stress and anxiety when inhaled or applied to the skin. Some of the most commonly used essential oils for anxiety include lavender, bergamot, lemon, frankincense, and chamomile.
When inhaled, the aroma of essential oils can directly impact the limbic system, which is the part of the brain that controls emotions and the nervous system. The scent of the oil can help trigger a calming response, reducing feelings of anxiety and promoting relaxation.
Topical application of essential oils is another way to experience the benefits of aromatherapy for anxiety. Diluting the essential oil in a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, and massaging it into the skin can help soothe the body and mind. In addition, some people find comfort in simply wearing essential oils as a personal fragrance, allowing them to enjoy its benefits throughout the day.
In conclusion, aromatherapy can be a valuable tool for managing anxiety symptoms and promoting relaxation. By incorporating essential oils into your self-care routine, you can help reduce stress and improve your overall well-being
Related article: The Healing Benefits of Aromatherapy
In Conclusion
In astrology, Mercury retrograde is a time when the planet Mercury appears to be moving backwards in its orbit relative to Earth. Many people believe that during this time, communication, travel, and technology can be disrupted or go awry. Some people also associate Mercury retrograde with issues related to decision-making, contracts, and agreements.
While some people may view Mercury retrograde as a negative or challenging time, others may see it as an opportunity for introspection and reflection. Some astrologers suggest that it can be a time to slow down, review past decisions and experiences, and reflect on what changes you might want to make in your life.
Ultimately, whether you view Mercury retrograde as a negative or positive phenomenon is a matter of personal perspective and belief. It’s important to remember to take a mental vacation whenever you need, with or without Mercury retrograde.
