Mercury Retrograde: The Scientific Reason Behind Your Anxiety and Weird Feelings

Lately, many people have reported feeling unusually anxious or just plain weird without any apparent reason. If you find yourself in this boat, there's a scientific explanation that might put your mind at ease; Mercury is in retrograde.

Mercury retrograde is an astronomical event that occurs about three or four times a year when the planet Mercury appears to move backward in its orbit from our perspective on Earth. This optical illusion happens because Mercury speeds past Earth in its orbit around the sun.

As one expert explains, "If you were in a car and another car passed you, you could tell it was going faster than you. But if it slowed down and you then passed it, it would appear that that car was actually going backward."

Astrologers believe that during Mercury retrograde, technology and communication can get disrupted, leading to increased negative emotions such as anger, anxiety, resentment and sadness. This period is also known for causing stress and making people feel mentally and physically out of balance.

According to astrologer Pochotna, "During these periods, we're prone to saying the wrong words and taking things the wrong way."

The current Mercury retrograde began recently and will last for 18 more days. During this time, it's common to experience heightened emotional turbulence.

Saxena, another expert, notes that "A sudden onset of anxiety can occur when something extremely stressful is happening unexpectedly or when there is physical pain in the body, physical stress or other kinds of severe mental stress."

Moreover, health conditions like heart disease, diabetes or hormonal imbalances can also contribute to feelings of anxiety. Even simple things like not getting enough sleep or skipping meals can make you feel off. "Our bodies can reflect emotional stress even when our 'thinking minds' are unaware of it," says another expert.

So, if you're feeling unusually anxious or weird right now, know that you're not alone, and there's a scientific reason behind it. Embrace adaptability during this period, as it can lead to valuable insights and growth. Remember, this too shall pass.