If you’re into astrology, you might be counting down the days until April 25. That’s when Mercury retrograde, a cosmic event believed to impact our lives negatively, is supposed to end. If you’ve been struggling with misunderstandings, communication hiccups, brain fog, and a productivity slump lately, know that you’re not alone. Mercury’s retrograde lasts for about three weeks and some believe it can throw people off balance. 

But regardless of how seriously you follow astrology, there is never a bad time to fine-tune your productivity in and outside the office. Here are some handy tips to help you stay productive when things get chaotic and it feels like you’re not in control.

1. Go with the flow

Retrograde periods often bring unexpected twists and turns. Instead of panicking, embrace the chaos. This relaxed approach can benefit your mental health; and to support your productivity, you can build buffers into your schedule, have backup plans, and stay flexible. Think of retrograde as your personal trainer, testing your limits and showing you that you can deal with far more than you think. Embracing uncertainty can foster resilience and teach you to handle challenges and change.

2. Take it slow

When things get hectic, it’s easy to feel like you have to rush through everything. Yet, I recommend that workers pause for a moment and take a deep breath to control their impulses. Trying to squeeze too much into too little time will inevitably lead to mistakes. You’ll waste more time going back to correct them. Cultivate patience in your work, prioritize quality over quantity, and carefully review every email, tweet, and assignment before hitting send. Experiment with time-management techniques like the Pomodoro Method, time blocking, and creating to-do lists to organize your tasks. Take things one task at a time. If that doesn’t work, give yourself a break.

3. Listen to your circadian rhythms

Spring brings changes in daylight hours, affecting our circadian rhythms. Instead of battling against your body, capitalize on its natural ebbs and flows in productivity. Spend time outdoors during daylight hours to help regulate your internal clock. Establish a consistent sleep schedule, ensuring that you go to bed and wake up at around the same time every day. Plan demanding and creative tasks during peak-energy times and reserve lighter tasks for when your energy levels dip. Additionally, allow yourself to take short breaks, even naps, if you’re feeling particularly tired.

4. Treat your body

When your mind isn’t feeling great, treating your body well can help. Spring is here, so strut those legs, test out a new sport, or squeeze in a morning workout. Or if exercise isn’t your thing, how about a massage, a contrast shower, or some yoga? Remember to stay hydrated by keeping a water bottle with you throughout the day. Avoid too many processed foods and sugars, as they can make you feel tired and moody. Take care of yourself by doing things you enjoy, like taking a relaxing bath or treating yourself to a spa day. Listen to your body and honor its needs. 

5. Expect turbulent communications

Many believe that Mercury’s retrograde can lead to miscommunications. To navigate this, start by actively listening and asking questions to ensure understanding. Instead of criticism, offer constructive feedback. Document everything in writing and double-check details to reduce errors. Follow up on important conversations or tasks to confirm clarity. Despite your best efforts, misunderstandings may still arise. In such cases, use humor to lighten the mood, find common ground, and foster a positive atmosphere.

6. Embrace monotony

If you need to take your mind off the chaos of this phase, focus on those tasks that require concentration and precision, which you typically push aside. Embracing monotony can boost productivity and well-being by clearing mental clutter, fostering discipline, and promoting relaxation through repetitive tasks. Whether it’s organizing files, data entry, or tidying your workspace, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment as you check these repetitive and monotonous tasks off your list.

7. Free yourself from perfectionism

We expect so much from ourselves, but we’re not meant to be perfect. It’s high time we sent our struggle for perfectionism to the farthest corners of the universe. Instead, focus on progress, not perfection, and savor the journey along with its invaluable learning experiences. Celebrate every achievement, no matter how small, and concentrate on what you can control. Delegate tasks, seek support when necessary, learn to say no to unrealistic expectations, and above all, be kind to yourself. Remember, making mistakes is an integral part of being human.

As astrologists suggest, this particular retrograde might feel more potent due to its alignment with the eclipse season. But even if you don’t believe in astrology, prioritizing flexibility, patience, and self-care are crucial parts of maintaining a productive personal and professional life. Productivity isn’t just about pushing through tasks at full speed, but rather about finding balance in a changing reality, being spontaneous, developing a tolerance for uncertainty. So, take a moment to pause, trust that things will work out, and let the universe guide you toward your goals.

Avery Morgan is a productivity expert and chief communications officer at EduBirdie, with deep expertise in education and its intersection with the internet and student-related matters. Under Avery’s leadership, EduBirdie has launched numerous projects, helping junior specialists fight stress and burnout to become more productive and achieve higher work-life balance.