The final Mercury Retrograde of the year is blazing in like that “harmless” spark that turns into a full-blown fire drill — and it’s happening in fiery Sagittarius, no less. Perfect. Just as you’re juggling finals, prepping for holiday travel, and barely holding it together with your cold brew, Mercury decides to fan the flames with its signature chaos. Lost emails? Check. Misfired texts? Of course. Group projects going up in metaphorical smoke? You bet. It’s like the universe is testing how well you can dodge cosmic curveballs and manage life’s plot twists — all at once.
Feeling the heat? You’re not alone. A recent EduBirdie study found that 62% of Gen Z and Millennials actually tweak their routines during Mercury Retrograde. But do these adjustments calm the storm or just backfire? That’s where productivity expert and EduBirdie’s Chief Communications Officer, Avery Morgan, steps in with her tried-and-true hacks for tackling this astrological chaos head-on.
From managing burnout to slaying time management, we’re here to help you fireproof your life and keep your cool. Morgan is about to decode the dos and don’ts of navigating Mercury Retrograde, breaking down what works, what doesn’t, and how to make the most of this celestial wildfire. So, ready to outsmart the stars? Let’s dig into the hacks that will keep your productivity (and sanity) intact.
- To help reset your mind, you might want to refresh your space.
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Transform your space into the ultimate study sanctuary with cozy, feel-good vibes perfect for the college grind. “One in three Gen Z and Millennials report a relaxing environment helps them combat Mercury turbulence,” Morgan tells Her Campus. “And they’ve got it right. Chill workspace = clear mind.” Stay on top of your to-dos by organizing your desk and planner. A clutter-free space equals a clutter-free mind, giving you that zen energy to navigate life — even when Mercury is in retrograde.
Start with soft, warm lighting to create a calming atmosphere, and set the mood with chill lo-fi beats to keep your focus sharp and stress levels low. Add a touch of nature — think leafy green plants or a bouquet of dried flowers — for a refreshing, grounding vibe. Aromatherapy diffusers with scents like lavender, eucalyptus, or vanilla can make your room feel like a spa, instantly helping you relax. As the weather cools down, lean into the season with cozy details: a scented candle, your go-to fluffy blanket, or twinkling Christmas lights for a festive, uplifting glow.
- It’s totally OK to take your time on things, but stop slacking.
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Mercury retrograde got you feeling off? It’s no secret this cosmic event can bring delays and miscommunications. Some people even hit pause on routine tasks like meetings to avoid the drama. “One in four young workers report setting flexible deadlines and giving themself some buffer time to reduce the pressure of things going wrong,” says Morgan. “A smart move to stay on track — within reason.”
While cutting non-essential plans can help you stay centered, pressing “snooze” on too much can leave you stuck in a procrastination spiral. Since retrogrades happen several times a year, try a fresh perspective: slow down, tune in, and communicate clearly with your team during those meetings. A little patience and mindfulness can keep your vibe intact and your goals on track.
- Begin backing up all of your stuff — your future self with thank you.
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Believe it or not, Mercury retrograde loves to mess with our tech. From accidental file deletions to email mix-ups, and even that matcha spill on your laptop — this cosmic event has a way of targeting our digital world. “Surprisingly, only 15% of Gen Z and Millennials take this easy approach to a stress-free Mercury retrograde,” Morgan says.
So, take a moment to back up your important files to a cloud service or external hard drive. Trust me, it’s worth it! And while you’re at it, double-check those emails before hitting send—this is not the time for a typo or a “reply-all” disaster. Save yourself from a major meltdown and keep your tech game strong.
- Always start with self-care.
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Don’t let yourself fall into the trap of self-sabotage. Right now, the universe is giving you a chance to pause and reflect before taking action. So, hold off on signing contracts, launching big projects, or making any major financial decisions. “One in five young workers wisely avoids major decisions during Mercury retrograde, when disruptions can lead to costly mistakes,” says Morgan. “But don’t take it too far — 12% admit they’d rather call in sick than face the retrograde stress. Now, that one is just letting the chaos win.”
It’s a great time to step back, but don’t confuse this with avoiding work entirely. Instead, focus on things that replenish your energy. Make self-care a daily ritual, whether it’s journaling, meditating, or taking a calming walk to clear your mind. And remember, taking regular breaks can be far more effective than an entire day off. Keep your balance, and you’ll be ready to take on whatever comes next.