How the End of Mercury Retrograde Could Power Up Your Wellness Routine

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You've likely heard that Mercury retrograde is responsible for throwing your life into chaos. The astrological aspect-which occurs three or four times a year for three weeks at a time-has a seriously negative reputation.

Some background for the non-astrology-obsessed? Mercury is the messenger planet and rules all things related to communication, transportation, and technology. When it's on its usual course, these areas of life tend to run smoothly, but when Mercury is retrograde (or appears to move backward in the sky from your vantage point on earth), you might notice more headache-inducing miscommunication, heavy traffic, and technology meltdowns. (See: WTH Is Really Going On During Mercury Retrograde?)

Planning and tracking your workouts-or even just getting yourself to the gym-can feel especially challenging. But its purpose isn't entirely gloomy. Mercury retrograde also encourages you to revisit aspects of your past that could serve to inform and fuel your future. It's the ideal time to reflect on and reassess your efforts to boost your health and wellness.

This current Mercury retrograde, which began on March 5, occurred in the water sign Pisces. Known for their dreamy, empathetic, and artistic nature, Pisceans aren't exactly the biggest fans of reality, so Mercury's trip through the twelfth sign of the zodiac generally leads to hazy communication anyway. But moving backward through the imaginative sign took the potential for misunderstanding and delusion to a whole new level. Thankfully, Mercury resumes forward motion, or "goes direct," on March 28, infusing communication with clarity and creativity!

Here's how you can make the most of this astrological shift and power up your workouts and wellness, based on your sign. (Related: Susan Miller On the Astrological Themes That Will Affect Your Health and Fitness In 2019)

Aries (March 21–April 19)

Mercury's retrograde through your twelfth house of spirituality may have had you craving a feeling of centeredness more than anything. Though you're not one to wallow and dwell on emotional issues, this self-reflection can be incredibly useful as you forge ahead and refocus on your fitness once Mercury is direct. Prioritizing your mental and emotional wellness can actually boost your mind-body connection when you're lifting or landing on the yoga mat and earn you the results you want to see STAT.

Taurus (April 20–May 20)

While Mercury moved backward through your eleventh house of friendship, you may have been hitting up those spin or boxing classes you haven't been to in a while and reconnecting with workout buddies (which can have some serious benefits, BTW). The experiences could have you feeling like part of a bonded group, which bolstered your accountability (and kept you from skipping class to order from Postmates and watch a Netflix doc). Once Mercury is direct, you can take that team spirit to the next level with group training or signing up for a charity race. The more you can feel like part of something bigger than yourself now, the more fired up you'll be to stick to your routine.

Gemini (May 21–June 20)

Mercury retrograde threw a wrench into your tenth house of career, potentially wreaking havoc around work projects and interactions with your bosses. If you managed to stay on track with your health and wellness, it definitely served as a major form of stress relief. If not, you've been craving getting back to it for that very reason. Although constant stimulation and juggling a million to-dos is your jam, you'll do best to lean into a pragmatic, streamlined plan once Mercury is direct. Think getting to that barre class twice a week and doing food prep on Sundays. Sure, you'll be tempted to take on more, but doing less can get you on track faster.  (Related: What I Learned from Eating and Exercising According to My Zodiac Sign)

Cancer (June 21–July 22)

While Mercury moved backward through your ninth house of higher education, you may have been compelled to brush up on previously established habits or skills. Maybe this looked like revisiting that Tabata routine you enjoy, spending more time in the kitchen with that keto cookbook, or striving to advance your mindfulness practice. Now that Mercury is direct, you're driven to put what you learned to good use. Though you tend to prefer to stick with routines that are cozy, familiar, and close to home, consider taking your passion public by trying a class or even signing up for a retreat. Getting out of your comfort zone will elevate your wellness routine now.

Leo (July 23–August 22)

This Mercury retrograde may have had you wading through deep waters, as it affected your eighth house of transformation, intimate relationships, and sex. If you had intense dream or interactions with a lover or ex, you may feel a bit emotionally wiped out as the transit comes to an end. That said, as Mercury moves forward, the key to fueling your wellness efforts is self-care and spending time on relationships that feel energizing and supportive. Think getting a massage, or making plans with your BFF to take a Vinyasa class and then do brunch. The combo of getting pampered (which, let's be real, you rarely need an excuse for) and focusing on your most nourishing bonds will soon have you feeling like your most vital, motivated self.

Virgo (August 23–September 22)

While Mercury moved backward through your seventh house of partnership, you've been reassessing one-on-one connections, only to find that some are serving you, and others may actually be draining you. Once Mercury is direct, it may be time to make over or scrap certain romantic, business, or platonic relationships that are stressing you out. As much as you want to please and be of service to those you care about, you'll do well to remember that your needs come first. Once you own that truth, you'll feel more empowered to do what's best for you, including fostering connections with people who are on the same page as you on big-picture wellness goals. Hello, new workout buddy!

Libra (September 23–October 22)

This Mercury retrograde may have thrown your day-to-day plans out of whack, as it lit up your sixth house of routines and health. Whether you were finding it extra challenging to get to your favorite class or having to reassess how you address a chronic physical concern, you may have felt aggravated by the slowdown. Once Mercury moves forward, you'll find it easier to pick up the pace. Applying what you learned during the past three weeks has you feeling even stronger and prepared to get after your boldest aspirations. Just remember that you do best when you feel like you're in balance, having as much fun as you are working consistently toward results. (Related: Why Finding ~Balance~ Is the Best Thing You Can Do for Your Health & Fitness Routine)

Scorpio (October 23–November 21)

This Mercury retrograde, through your fifth house of romance and fun, may have inspired you to enjoy workouts or sports you loved when you were younger. Getting back to your roots may have left you feeling unusually playful and imaginative. Once Mercury is direct, you'll do well to bring that lighthearted approach into your existing routine. You might even want to sign up for an adult athletic league or class that allows you to reconnect with your inner kid on a regular basis. After all, when you love someone or something, your passion for it is steadfast. Embracing that trait can fire up your fitness efforts moving forward.

Sagittarius (November 22–December 21)

While Mercury moved back through your fourth house of home life, you might have been spending time reconnecting with loved ones and tending to family matters close to home. Although this was restorative for your emotional health, workouts may not have been your main focus these past three weeks. If you feel like you need to get back on track, use Mercury's direct motion to give yourself a break, first of all, and then bump up everyday activity, like doing a few sun salutations when you wake up, playing fetch with your pup, or having a heart-to-heart with a family member during a hike close to home. You'll soon feel more joyful, energized, and ready to take on even more.

Capricorn (December 22–January 19)

While Mercury retrograde moved through your third house of communication, you may have suffered misunderstandings with anyone and everyone in your world, and expressing your goals and getting clear info about your health may have felt like a constant battle. The good news is that once Mercury is direct, you'll be able to gain the clarity you've been craving. You've got the green light to make those doctor appointments, set up a consultation with a nutritionist or trainer, dive into your reading list, or start tracking your workouts on that new app. By diving right back in, you'll gain momentum that can feel super-motivating. (As a bonus, try these four tips for staying motivated without making yourself miserable.)

Aquarius (January 20–February 18)

Mercury's retrograde through your second house of income may have turned your attention to perfecting a business plan, pursuing a side hustle, or reassessing your cash flow. Now that you've fleshed out those details, as Mercury goes direct, you'll feel refocused and even more confident about your day-to-day game plan, and you can put more energy and time toward fitness. Being strategic about how you can spend discretionary cash on your wellness routine while experimenting with new practices (like a meditation app subscription), gear, or-your fave-tech gadgets has you feeling even more amped to get after your goals.

Pisces (February 19–March 20)

While Mercury was retrograde in your sign, you may have felt downright unfocused and off, struggling to get a grasp on long-term aspirations, and you may have felt misunderstood, even by those closest to you. When the planet of communication moves forward, you'll be more optimistic but may still be in your feelings. For that reason, you'll do well to zero in on self-expressive workouts that aid you in clearing out any lingering cloudiness and naturally boost endorphins, like dance, yoga, or running. Your mind and body will benefit from the powerful feel-good effect.