We’re in the middle of Mercury retrograde, folks, where the rogue planet of togetherness, conversation, technology and anger slows its proverbial spin and leaves us in the muck and muck.
Mercury retrograde purposefully disrupts our routines and forces us to confront issues and people we prefer to avoid. Retrograde refers to the optical illusion the planet creates when the Earth momentarily catches up with its orbit, which is why Mercury appears to move backwards from our position on Earth.
It’s well documented that Mercury retrograde is a period of introspection accompanied by miscommunication, rekindled relationships, travel delays, sorry text messages, and missed connections of the literal and metaphorical variety.
But wait… that’s not all. That jerk is messing with your sleep too.
Happy Beds’ top sleep trackers are on hand and pillow to help you fight the mercurial sleep thief.
Keep a sleep diary
Mercury rules language and retrograde cycles invite reflection; play into the power of this transition by journaling a few hours before bed each night.
As Happy Beds suggests, “Keep a sleep journal next to your bed so you can write down any anxious thoughts that come to you in the moments before bed. Keeping a journal will allow you to spot patterns in what causes you stress and anxiety, allowing you to prevent it more effectively.
Reduce your screen time
A retrograde Mercury increases stressors; it’s easy to pass the time and settle down with screen time.
However, as Happy Beds says, “Your phone is the antithesis of good sleep. Your phone emits blue light by suppressing your body’s production of melatonin, the hormone that tells you it’s time to sleep.”
For those who can’t kick the tech habit, Happy Beds recommends using red light settings on your devices or placing red light bulbs in your bedroom.
Besides being horror movie/basement sex, red light stimulates the production of melatonin, preparing the body for sleep, experts say.
Pamper yourself with aromatherapy oils
Turns out your weird aunt who kept lavender under her pillow was on to something.
“In recent years, aromatherapy has proven effective in treating sleep disorders,” explains Happy Beds. “Lavender, in particular, contains chemical compounds such as linalool, linalyl and camphor that act as anxiolytics and sedatives.”
To really double down on sleep, consider incorporating crystals into your bedtime routine to calm your nervous system.
Practice guided imagery
“During times of heightened emotional energy, such as Mercury retrograde, relaxation techniques such as guided imagery or progressive muscle relaxation can help calm the mind and prepare the body for sleep,” suggests Happy Beds.
Guided imagery is the practice of imagining yourself in a vivid and immersive scene such as walking on a beach or drinking a glass of fresh wine on a hill far away. According to Happy Beds, guided imagery increases alpha brain waves which improve mood and promote relaxation.
Likewise, progressive muscle relaxation reduces stress and anxiety held in the body by tensing one group of muscles at a time, followed by a period of rest to release that tension.
See below for how to move your body through this retrograde.
Progressive muscle relaxation:
- Find a quiet and comfortable space: Sit or lie down in a relaxed position.
- Close your eyes: Focus on breathing, taking slow, deep breaths.
- Start with your toes:Â Tense your toe muscles for about 5 to 10 seconds, then relax for 20 to 30 seconds. Notice the difference between tension and relaxation.
- Move on your feet:Tighten your leg muscles, hold for 5 to 10 seconds, then relax for 20 to 30 seconds.
- Continue up your body: Progressively tense and relax each muscle group, moving from calves to thighs, abdomen, chest, arms, hands, neck and face.
- Keep breathing slowly and deeply: Keep your breathing steady and relaxed throughout the exercise.
- Finish with a few deep breaths: After you have relaxed all muscle groups, take a few more deep breaths, enjoying the feeling of relaxation throughout your body.
Astrology 101: Your Guide to the Star
Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and reports irreverently on planetary configurations and their effect on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture and personal experience. To book a reading, visit her website.
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Image Source : nypost.com