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The first Mercury retrograde of 2025 is upon us.
When this happens, oftentimes people panic because it’s a time when things can feel a bit chaotic, especially in our professional lives — communication is disrupted, misunderstandings can happen, and things might get delayed.
However, experts say there are mindful ways to utilize the energy of Mercury because it governs communication and commerce to boost power and productivity in a person’s life.
Avery Morgan, workplace productivity expert, and Chief HR Officer at EduBirdie, explained to The Post how to use this cosmic slowdown to turn setbacks into purposeful progress.
Revamp your relationship with time management
“If you’re feeling rushed, it’s time to audit your time management. Try time blocking your day with non-negotiable focus periods,” Morgan advised.
“Turn energy draining meetings into emails — and don’t overwork during this period. Mercury productivity thrives on self-care,” she shared.
Morgan explained that retrograde cycles signal us to lean into the prefix re: reset, revise, revisit, reimagine, reconnect, resurrect, etc. These actions require reflection — a byproduct of slowing down, being present, and fine-tuning what you’re sending out.
Morgan added that it’s helpful for people to “use this time to slow down and perfect your work. Schedule extra review time for each task. Fewer mistakes now mean less rework later.”
Reconnect with your professional network
Because Mercury retrograde calls us to look back and reflect, it’s the time of year when exes might come out of the woodwork and offer up their love alms — to repent or reconcile.
Before you get distracted by an ex’s name suddenly popping up on your phone, Morgan recommends diverting this shoot-your-shot energy to your career contacts.
“Dust off that half-finished passion project sitting in your drafts. Slide back into LinkedIn DMs with contacts you’ve lost touch with,” shared Morgan.
“That mentor who gave you advice six months ago? Circle back and share how you’ve implemented their suggestions. This approach strengthens your professional bonds and keeps the progress of the previous period visible,” she explained.
Share, delegate, and prioritize
Often, the deceleration of retrograde periods allows us to fully feel the weight of what we’re carrying and what we’re missing. Morgan suggests that now is the time to surrender micromanagement for thoughtful delegation and conscious prioritization.
“Recognize where your energy is best spent and free up time for what truly matters,” Morgan suggested.
“That might mean outsourcing tedious tasks to a freelancer, hiring someone to manage your calendar, or delegating personal tasks like meal prep and organizing your space. Do the math: if your working hours are worth more than those services — focus on what you do best,” she added.
Take a digital detox
In addition to communication, Mercury also rules technology. Just as the planet’s retrograde asks us to review and reassess the things in our lives that limit us — it also forces us to cut loose any tech that does not enhance or inspire our lives. This could mean deleting apps from our phone or unfollowing social media accounts that do not add to our lives.
“Digital decluttering also gives you a quick way to reduce ongoing costs and boosts your efficiency when things speed back up,” explained Morgan.
Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and irreverently reports 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.
