1. Manage your schedule

Because Mercury retrograde can affect plans and timing, now is the time to review your schedule. Prioritize and organize what you have planned for your week. Making a check list or keeping a planner can help you sort out everything you need to do. Especially with a new school year creeping in (or the busy season at work), it's really important to start to straighten out your to-do list.

2. Think before you speak

Mercury retrograde is said to affect relationships and communication. If you're feeling tense with someone, be sure to step down and think about what you say before you say it. It's important to clear your mind and relax before getting into an argument with someone.

3. Exercise self-care

Stress levels can rise during retrograde, so I recommend hitting the gym to help relieve some of those feelings and to also take care of yourself! Whatever your favorite way to workout is: swimming, cycling, running, Pilates, yoga... just do it! Your body and mind will thank you!

4. Spend time with your friends

Even though meddlesome Mercury can make communication difficult, it's still important to make time for your friends. Even if you feel like canceling your plans and crawling under the covers, don't neglect your relationships. Spending time with friends and laughing can help reduce stress levels. We are all in this together.

5. Revisit an old project

Retrogrades of any sort can make the past seem particularly appealing, to the point it might distract you from what's going on in the present. But if your nostalgia has inspired you to revisit an old hobby or abandoned project, that's actually a good thing. Sometimes retrogrades arrive to remind us of a passion we'd forgotten or overlooked because life was moving too fast.

6. Fuel your insides

Good nutrition is important year-round, but especially during retrograde. When you feel frazzled, making sure you take care of yourself inside can show on the outside. I recommend "brain food" to help keep your mind strong. Blueberries, nuts & seeds, avocados, and food containing Omega-3s can help you feel your best.

7. Stay hydrated

Another way to fuel your brain is to stay hydrated. Drinking enough water will help you be more alert and ready to take on whatever retrograde brings your day.

8. Re...

You can tackle retrograde by reacting with "re" words.

Think: review, reconnect, refresh, recommit, relax.

9. Unplug and unwind

Sometimes the daily barrage of messages and notifications can really fry your brain. During these dog days of summer, find some time for yourself and put down the phone or laptop. Read a book, lounge by the pool, or take a hike. Get out and enjoy nature. That blue light is not good for your mind or your eyes.

10. Get some rest

During summer, I tend to stay up late. But it's also important to get enough sleep. Resting will help your brain process the day. With communication lines getting twisted, make sure you're allowing your brain time to relax and process your thoughts during REM sleep.

11. Listen to the universe

A major cause of stress at Mercury retrograde is frustration from mishaps, things breaking down, computers going black. Try to take a break from the usual routine.

Just observe and see what happens, and be open to the past returning for review. If it's coming back, there's likely something more to learn or release from it. This can be a good (and productive) time, in its own way.

12. Get clarity from crystals

If you use crystals, they can help you during this phase. Blue stones are great for opening up your throat chakra.. .and the lines of communication. Clear quartz is another wonderful crystal during retrograde. You can read more about suggested crystals here: Crystals for Mercury Retrograde