Soothe. Soften. Support. Setting Yourself Up for Success
/Happy May!
I hope this finds you well as we move into a new month and into this new energy that’s already showing up in little ways. You may already feel these shifts happening as we approach the Mercury Retrograde beginning on the 10th. This retrograde will be with us through the entirety of the month and into the first two days of June.
I don’t like to focus on this time of year as something to be afraid of but I do like to prepare myself for the bumps that may come up during this time so that I can be set up for success to the best of my ability. As a highly sensitive person, (like yourself) I’ve found some common themes and experiences that can make themselves known during this time, almost like a cycle or pattern. I wanted to share some of the common symptoms I’ve found for myself as well as for others. I hope this will help to offer you some additional support so you can create a system that works for you as we move through this time together.
When we think about the Mercury Retrograde, it can be easy to get nervous about things like technology, communication, and potential blips or bumps in projects or travel. These are natural feelings as this cycle can impact these areas of our lives. There are often opportunities to focus on what I call the Re words as well, things like: review, revisit, restore, renew, replenish, rest, and relaxation. When we cultivate or create ways to lean into gentle support systems during this time, it can help to make it easier to move through this retrograde cycle.
I’ve also found some common physical symptoms that show up for myself and for other highly sensitive people. These may be things that you’ve experienced as well or maybe something that shows up for someone you love. Highly sensitive people can experience these physical symptoms and often think it’s just something they are experiencing, or that it’s connected to something else and they just can’t quite put their finger on it but they know something is out of balance. These symptoms can sometimes receive less coverage because not everyone experiences them during a retrograde cycle.
Symptoms can include but are not limited to:
Bloating
Tenderness in joints
Increased skin sensitivity
Feeling of cloudiness in thinking or being in a bit of a fog
Exhaustion or Lethargy
Low grade fever
Low grade headache
Feeling parched and needing more water than usual
Sensitivity to foods and beverages, potential upset stomach even to foods and drinks you normally enjoy
Food cravings for sugar, salt, and carbohydrates
Sleep Challenges including insomnia and/or dream disturbances
Needing more sleep than usual; including needing naps even if you aren’t someone who usually naps
Increased emotional sensitivity
Increased frustration or irritability
Repeating thought loops
Increased overwhelm in large groups or environments (grocery store etc.)
Feeling drained when in social situations
Increased sensitivity to lighting and noise
Increased or heightened spiritual gifts and or connection with guides, angels, and departed loved ones
Increased desire for quiet, calm, gentle environments and activities
Increased desire to wear soft, comfortable, and loose fitting clothing
Increased focus on self care, comfort, and self soothing
These are some of the symptoms that can show up for highly sensitive people. You may experience some or none of these symptoms but it can help to know that these symptoms are very real so that you can identify them if they show up. This can also help you to create a support system for yourself or someone you love.
The great news is that knowing what to expect allows us to prepare so we can experience a smoother and gentler retrograde cycle. There are some really easy yet impactful things that we can do to help make this time as supportive as possible. I’ve included some ideas for you below; by no means is this a be all end all list. Please use this as an inspiration so you can create and cultivate the personal support that is best for you and your loved ones.
Place large leafed plant near the bed to help increase oxygen and clear you and your bedroom while you sleep
Use a humidifier to increase oxygen while also soothing sensitive skin, scalp, and sinuses
Use dimmers or gentle golden or low lighting. (Edison bulbs create a gentle golden glow and can be found at big box stores and online outlets.)
Use a sound machine or gentle music to help soothe and calm the nervous system
Sage or Smudge your home to clear any heavy or dense energies
Edit or clear spaces near your bed so you can more easily rest
Set out art supplies or other creative outlets so you can easily reach them
Set out workout mats, tennis shoes, and workout equipment so you can easily reach them
If you plan to work on your garden or plant a garden, find out what you’ll need so it will be easier to begin your garden project
Treat yourself to your favorite tea, bath supplies, or cozy blanket
Take a little time to back up your computer and other devices
Have a little cash on hand in case there are any tech issues at the grocery store
Have a little bit of extra food and water on hand in case you feel guided to avoid crowds and stay home due to your sensitivity level on any particular day
Say no to extra demands on your personal time and energy to the best of your ability
Make extra time for rest, quiet, and comfort
Make time for meditation or spiritual practice
Make time for reading for pleasure, listening to or playing music, or journaling
Lean into activities that feel gentle to you; this can include watching your favorite movie while wearing comfy jammies.
Take breaks throughout the day even if only for 3-5 minutes to get up and walk around and clear from your work and devices.
Create room for more downtime and rest when and where you can to honor your body’s needs to the best of your ability
Breathe, and go at your own pace
Remember to ask for help if you need it
And…anything else that feels like a fit for you and that will support you in experiencing a more gentle and smooth retrograde cycle this month. I hope this helps to inspire and support you as we move through this time together. Remember, you don’t have to do all the things all the time, just do what feels right for you on any particular day and please give yourself grace. You’re doing amazing, and you’re not alone.
I’m sending you so much love and support from my teeny tiny corner of the world right to you.
With all my love and gratitude,
Kristy~xoxo
Happy Mother’s Day to you if you’re celebrating this year!
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