Feeling frazzled? Your route to stress relief might just be written in the stars. If you've never considered tailoring your zen, calming activities to your astrological sign, now's the time — it may just be the trick to making all that de-stressing just a little more effective.
We tapped astrologer Shannon Aganza of MoonGathering in Carlsbad, CA, to get some intel and to break down exactly what self-care routine will work best for you, based on your Zodiac sign. Whether you're a fiery Aries or a hypervigilant Virgo, these stress-relief tips, tricks, and routines will speak to your cosmic soul and keep anxiety at bay.
Why it works: "Aquarians are the visionaries of the zodiac," Aganza told POPSUGAR. "Seeing and visualizing their ideas outside of their heads brings clarity and relief to a stressed mind." This is where the vision board comes in, of course.
Not feeling crafty or creative today? Opt for the traditional Chinese medicine treatment of acupuncture to restore balance. "Aquarians have a sophisticated nervous system that acupuncture matches in its ability to bring soothing, peaceful alignment," she said.
Why it works: Aries, you'll want to "push yourself to physical exhaustion," according to Aganza. This means something intense like running or taking a cardio-centric boxing or martial arts class. "Aries run hot, and physical exertion vents out excess heat, relieving built up frustration and anger," said Aganza. Get it all out, honey.
Why it works: Get ready to get earthy. "Connecting with the earth helps because a Taurus needs to feel grounded in order to feel safe," Aganza told POPSUGAR. "Safety and security are of utmost importance to Taurus," she explained, so by fostering that sense of safety via Mother Earth, you're sure to find some tension relief and an improved mood.
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Gemini (May 21-June 20)
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The fix: laughter.
Why it works: Gemini, are you feeling overwhelmed and not quite yourself? "Geminis need to talk out their stress and laugh!" Aganza said. "Laughter reduces stress, and brings Gemini back to their buoyant, light self." Go catch a movie with a friend, or call your best people over to stream something hilarious on Netflix. Maybe even head to a comedy show!
Why it works: "Eating a nourishing meal or taking a bath [or both!] is ideal for a Cancer," Aganza said. "Cancer is the ultimate nurturer of the zodiac, and becomes vulnerable to stress when forgetting to self nurture." So don't forget to fill up your cup before pouring out for others! Also important to know (and you probably know this already): "Food is central to a Cancer's love language." So treat yourself post-bath.
Why it works: Take the day off and unwind, Leo! Aganza advises you to "get a heart-centreed back massage." Why? "Leos put a tremendous amount of energy into interacting with others and shining their light — they need time to recharge," she explained. "Leo rules the heart and back. This is why their back can 'go out' when they feel unsupported." So, go get some TLC on those back muscles, and maybe take a spine-supporting Pilates class while you're at it.
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Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
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The fix: clean and organise.
Why it works: Yes, it's clichéd, but Virgos love a good organising session. Did this photo of a pantry leave you feeling . . . aroused? Don't worry, it's in your cosmic DNA. "Virgos are the natural editors of the zodiac," said Aganza. "There's a reason Virgo is the sign right before Libra, the sign of balance and harmony: that perfect harmony and beauty wouldn't exist if Virgo hadn't first distilled every detail into perfectly placed perfection!"
This means that cleaning things up — literally and figuratively — can be a calming ritual. "Virgo being an earth sign has an inner nature of wanting to do something to change whatever is uncomfortable; clearing the unwanted is part of Virgo's genius nature."
Why it works: "Libras tend to burn the candle at both ends, not knowing when to stop until it's too late," Aganza explained. If you feel personally attacked by this, consider that maybe it's time to relax and take a little you time. While you're busy bringing harmony to those around you, have you forgotten your own self-care? "Straight up rest brings rejuvenation and meditation brings mental peace and awareness of when too much is too much," she said.
Why it works: Do you tend to keep your stresses and struggles to yourself? It's time to unpack, Scorpio. "Scorpio's emotional intelligence runs deep," Aganza said. "Scorpio benefits from sharing with someone trusted in order to unburden their stress and pain." And there are few people you can trust more to guide you through stress than a licenced therapist — so get ready to remove the heavy weight of stress and get back to feeling your best.
Why it works: "Surfing, hiking, running outside, and rock climbing are all great for Sagittarius," Aganza told POPSUGAR. "Sag is a fire sign, meaning there's a strong focus on the physical body." So by focusing on your physical body, you may be able to alleviate stress. "Sagittarius is also the sign of wisdom, and these people tend to find their greatest mind expansion and meditative moments or epiphanies while moving physically in nature," she explained. You heard her — go outside!
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Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
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The fix: doing something productive.
Why it works: Perhaps a cliché yet again, but it rings true. "Capricorns are the workaholics of the zodiac," Aganza said, "so resting in and of itself can cause stress and worry for a Cap." Oh, Capricorns, even letting go of stress stresses you out! Here's what she suggests: "Doing activities that are relaxing and productive at the same time decompresses stress for the hard working Caps. Yoga, cooking a meal, putting together a model or piece of furniture are all ideal for Capricorn."
