Mercury retrograde is an astronomical phenomenon where it appears the planet is moving backwards in orbit around the sun. This happens approximately every 4 months, with the next taking place between the 14th of March and the 6th April. You may have seen numerous headlines or read articles about ‘mercury retrograde’ – all of which will be telling you to ‘prepare for the worst’. In astrological philosophy, this phenomenon is responsible for issues with technology, communication and travel. The reality is the planet is not moving backwards and the phenomenon is just an optical illusion. But when you see a repeat of the same ‘disaster news’, or have found a problematic event has taken place that coincides with a mercury retrograde event, it can be difficult to dismiss the impact this event could have. Here, we look at how you can move past the mercury retrograde catastrophising and tactics to help you when things don’t go to plan.
The mental health impact of mercury retrograde
As mercury retrograde is a relatively frequent event – taking place roughly every 4 months (3 times a year) for a number of weeks, the chances are things will go wrong and it will coincide with mercury in retrograde. The importance here is not placing meaning or importance on the significance of the timing. Which we appreciate is difficult, especially when, each time it comes around, the ‘impact’ mercury in retrograde can cause appears on plenty of news stories and all across social media. But, using the below tactics, you can overcome challenges in communication, technology and travel, that are likely to present themselves, at any given time.
Technology problems
Image: demaerre, Getty Images, Signature
We use technology more widely than ever before, from heating to washing, communication to entertainment and everything in between. Technology is so integrated into our lives that avoidance is difficult. But technology is a fickle friend. We’ve all experienced WiFi malfunctions, connectivity issues, appliance breakdowns, freezing phones, and power cuts, to name a few problems. It’s very temperamental. It can malfunction, short circuit and break due to user error or poor maintenance.
All technology has a lifespan and as we know, time passes incredibly quickly. With so many devices and appliances that could go wrong, it’s painful when it all goes wrong at once.
But, there are some proactive things you can do to deal with any technological breakdowns as and when they arise, whilst protecting your devices and finances:
Register your products for their guarantees:
It can easily slip through the net but ensure you register your products as soon as you receive them with the appropriate manufacturer. This will ensure that if the appliance goes wrong during the guarantee, you’ll be covered.
Consider getting appliance insurance for the most expensive appliances:
Once your device falls out of warranty, this can be a way to ensure your appliance can be repaired or replaced in case of breakdown. Not all appliances will be worth covering, but you can look at covering any appliance outside of manufacturer warranty that is less than 10 years old.
Read your manufacturer guides and instruction manuals:
Pay particular attention to any maintenance the device or appliance requires and set yourself reminders if it needs any action periodically. Ensure you’re using the device as per the manufacturer’s specifications and if you have any questions, get in touch with them.
Keep an eye out for updates:
A lot of our home appliances are now WiFi enabled which poses a security risk and another factor for potential problems. Ensure your WiFi connection is secure – change the passwords routinely and certainly from the one supplied, and keep an eye on your appliances applications for any software updates to ensure it is as up to date and as secure as possible.
Check your home insurance:
Are you covered for or is it worth taking cover for accidental damage or home emergency cover and will it protect your most expensive and most used appliances? This will be dependent on the value of the item as well as lifestyle factors but it is an option to consider. Remember, any claim on home insurance could lead to higher premiums later.
Start a savings pot specifically for technology:
All of your technological devices will need replacing at some point, the only question is when. Some of your devices will have a longer lifespan than others – a boiler, for instance, should last 10 – 15 years, a fridge freezer 10-20 years, a washing machine 8 – 15 years, whereas a mobile phone will last 2 – 5 years and a TV 7-10 years. Squirreling away £20 a month towards your technological devices and appliances can be a reassurance for when things go wrong.
Communication
Mercury is the planet of communication, so when mercury is in retrograde, it is no wonder there is a suggestion that it would negatively affect communication. With many reporting an increase in misunderstandings, breakdown of relationships, and a general sense of confusion, and directly attributing it to the effects of mercury retrograde, it’s no wonder we have a generalised sense of anxiety during this time and the impacts it may have on our relationships. But this heightened anxiety could be a contributor to arguments; heightened stress can directly impact mood and how we respond to different situations and the people we care about.
So, keeping this in mind, how do we shift perspectives and even foster deeper relationships during this time?
Awareness is key:
The first, and most important step, is awareness of the impact this period could have on our general mood and our relationships. Try to recognise when you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed and anxious and take active steps to alleviate this tension. If you notice you’re being snappy, pay attention to the feeling and thoughts behind it.
Harness communication:
If mercury retrograde is about miscommunication, we need to challenge and change how we communicate. Use “I” statements to portray how situations or issues are making you feel. Take the time to consider and process any response to significant communications. Create a time and space to engage in open communication – participate in active listening and illustrate empathy. Also, be understanding that if you’re feeling strained by the events of mercury retrograde, others likely are too.
Create a space for relaxation:
When tensions are high, and there is a lot demanding of our time and attention, we can slip into habits that are not conducive to self-care. This can perpetuate feelings of stress and anxiety leading us to lash out, even over seemingly small things. Creating a space to relax – for the moments when you’re feeling overworked and overwhelmed as well as at the end of the day, can help you approach situations from a different mindset.
Make plans:
When resources are stretched and things go wrong, it can be difficult to have things to look forward to. But this too can create additional strain and pressure on relationships. There are many activities you can do that won’t cost a penny; from walks with loved ones, to visiting each other for coffee, or spending time playing games and having fun.
Learn to embrace the chaos:
A feeling of total lack of control can cause significant anxiety during this time. But we cannot plan for every eventuality and things will go wrong from time to time, and sometimes all at once. So try learning to embrace this uncertainty. How? Mindfulness practises, placing yourself in the moment, can help; having some soothing tactics for when things do get too much will be invaluable, and having someone you can turn to in trying times, whether to share the load or just be a listening ear can help you navigate complex problems and even help you to gain a new perspective.
Travel disruptions
As mercury is associated with travel, even Lonely Planet has weighed in on the mercury retrograde phenomenon. Of course, there are many factors that can impact our travel arrangements, from weather to accidents, health issues to natural disasters, any of which could cause disruption at any point from time of booking to traveling. So, what can we do to ensure our travel plans go as smoothly as possible?
Be prepared:
To protect yourself, it’s advisable to have travel insurance even before you book a trip, but certainly as soon as your travel arrangements have been firmed up. That way, if something crops up, you’re protected.
Give yourself plenty of time:
Whatever journey you’re making, plan your route in advance, even if you’re familiar with it, as it could be impacted by road closures and diversions. Be sure to utilise the ‘arrive by’ function if you need to be there for a specific time. Additionally, consider any rest or fuel stops you may need to make and still give yourself additional time to get there. If you run into any snags on the way, you’ll be grateful for that extra time – why not pack a book, so if you have any time to spare, you can savour it!
Give yourself a contingency budget:
There can be any number of unexpected expenses when it comes to travel – having to find alternative travel if your transfer doesn’t turn up, or having to put down a significant deposit on car rental, or having to seek accommodation for a cancelled flight, as an example. Although insurance may well cover some of these mishaps, a contingency budget can make it easier to make arrangements yourself and then claim any refunds owed retrospectively. There’s nothing worse than encountering a problem that could potentially tarnish your trip.
Have a physical copy or reference for your most important travel documents:
If mercury retrograde has the impact to cause disruption, it’s best not to rely on our devices for our boarding passes, visas and insurances. Either print a copy of the first page so you have the reference numbers and core details if needed, or write it down in a small notebook.
Cancellations or booking issues:
If you experience a flight cancellation, find a problem with your accommodation, or an issue with an excursion, you can:
- Speak to the provider first: If your flight is cancelled, speak to the airlines first and foremost to see what options are available to you. They may book you onto the next flight and organise any necessary accommodation and transport.
- Speak to your travel agent: If you booked your trip through an agent, there should be contact details for someone to help you in an emergency. They can guide you on next steps and seek alternative arrangements and accommodation if needed.
- Refer to your travel insurance documentation: If you’re not getting a conducive response from the travel provider, or you booked your trip independently and you don’t know where you stand financially, refer to your travel insurance documentation and helpline for guidance (knowing this in advance also means you can make any arrangements yourself and claim this back later). Depending on circumstances, they may be able to cover non-refundable costs incurred because of any travel disruption.
Featured image: NASA
