Originally published @ Allure
Regardless of our zodiac signs, most of our lives have been drastically changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. You may be spending much more time at home, or you may be working more than ever. Regardless of how your life has changed over the past few months, perhaps your perspective has changed as well.
Developing a new habit or ritual during this time can help you maintain a sense of normalcy. “Habits help us feel grounded. It really is another word for ritual. And rituals can help us feel embodied and connected (to ourselves and others, even if they are far away, and the planet,” says psychologist Denise Renye.
Let’s say you want to learn a new language or begin each day with meditation. How do you make the habit stick? Twenty-one days is the often-cited amount of time it supposedly takes to make or break a habit, but according to psychologist Holly Richmond, that’s the bare minimum. A study by the European Journal of Social Psychology suggests that it actually takes anywhere between 18 to 254 days for a person to form a new habit, Healthline reports.
“It depends on the habit,” Richmond says. “If it’s a pleasure-based habit that is releasing dopamine and endorphins those are going to take a little bit longer to break.” And conversely, if the habit you are trying to start, such as exercise, releases dopamine, it will be easier to pick up.
So how can you use this downtime to form a new habit? Well, let’s make it fun. While there’s no scientific basis for astrology, it makes sense that the different personality traits associated with each sign would mean they form habits in different ways. For instance, while a Capricorn can typically start a detailed project and see it through with no problem, a Leo may need the dopamine hit that comes from sharing their new ritual on social media. Taurus totally requires comfort and snacks, and Scorpio absolutely needs to chill out. Read on to learn how your sign forms a new habit.
Aries
Aries, an adorable ram, is the first sign of the zodiac (and you know it). Aries has no problem stomping your feet to get what you want, and you usually win. To start a new habit, Aries will benefit from leaning into your childlike excitement. Opt for new routines that make you eager to get out of bed in the morning. Rather than trying to force yourself into what you think you should be doing, pick habits that make you smile, such as sketching after dinner or having a dance party in your apartment as a form of exercise.
Taurus
Taurus, the cutest cow, is ruled by Venus, the planet of beauty and abundance. This sign loves comfort. That doesn’t mean you can’t get your hands dirty, though. Determined Taurus makes for an excellent protester, but when you come home after fighting the system, you will need some time to unwind. Whether it’s reading a book before bed or journaling after dinner, Taurus will stick with a habit if it includes yummy snacks and a cozy blanket.
Gemini
Chatty Gemini has a busy mind. Not only is this sign represented by the twins, you’re also ruled by messenger planet Mercury, which rules over communication. While this makes Gemini a very socially popular and prolific worker, it also makes it difficult for you to find quiet and calm. Geminis can benefit from meditation, but would be wise to switch up your meditations every so often. The twins know that variety is the spice of life (which is also why you tend to do so well dating).
Cancer
Represented by the crab, Cancer has a reputation for being a bit of a hermit. While this sign loves alone time, you are not always sweet little homebodies. You also love to party and can be moody. Crabs side-step and so do Cancers. You can be avoidant, which is why you need comforting routines to keep you feeling safe. The setting is very important for Cancers. Whether it’s doing yoga or getting used to working from home, you will do best if you enjoy your surroundings. As Cancer is ruled by the moon, you should try activities such as writing or meditating at night with a view of the starry sky.
Leo
Leo, the bold lion with a heart of gold, struggles with stay-at-home orders. You are a sign that revels in attention, but it’s not quite vanity; it’s a love of the spotlight. In fact, Leos make excellent leaders, though you do sometimes struggle with laziness. You need motivation. A Leo should feel free to be yourself and share your rituals on social media. Comments will encourage you to keep repeating helpful habits.
Virgo
Virgo’s famous organizational skills are no joke. Your sign likes checking off little boxes, creating shared Google calendars, and ensuring your workspace perfectly fits your needs. If a Virgo is adjusting to working from home, your sign would benefit from using calendars and planners to keep you on track. Virgo is also represented by the hermit card in the tarot, so you should lean into alone time to recharge. Just make sure to reach out to a friend here and there so you’re not completely isolating, please.
Libra
Libra is represented by the scales, and this sign definitely needs balance to feel complete. For example, if a Libra is feeling cooped up, a good habit to start would be something active, such as going on a run or swimming. This sign is famous for flirting, but you can also sometimes be short with your words even when you don’t mean to. Regular habits and a set schedule will help keep a Libra occupied so you don’t say things out of boredom that you’ll regret.
Scorpio
Scorpio has a reputation for emotional intensity, and the rumors are true. Especially during stressful times, those born under this water sign will benefit from breathing exercises, working out, and meditation to keep your anxiety at bay. If you have problems with motivation, go for the dopamine and give yourself a treat (like chocolate) after you complete your new ritual.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius loves to learn and is one of the most academic signs, so you do well with habits that involve learning new skills. This could be anything from learning to build furniture, to weaving, to web design, to cooking. Sagittarius also loves to travel, so even with stay-at-home orders in place, you can benefit from a regular walk or bike ride for the change of scenery. Loud archers need company, so safely collaborating with others will help you keep a habit.
Capricorn
Capricorn is a very hard worker and loves creating and maintaining new habits — anything to keep moving forward. The sea goat isn’t scared of commitment and tends to be in it for the long haul, so whether it’s launching a new business or learning a new language, Capricorns do well with habits that require ongoing responsibility. You just need to remember not to be too hard on yourself if you mess up along the way.
Aquarius
Aquarius is the humanitarian of the zodiac and will not just sit at home while the world needs all the help that it can get. Your sign will have the most success with choosing habits that help your community. Get involved in your local politics or protests and honor your commitment. An Aquarius just needs to be mindful that you don’t get so lost in your activism that you forget to take care of yourself.
Pisces
Pisces is one of the most creative signs of the zodiac and will benefit from picking up a new, creative hobby. As an intuitive water sign, you are great at drawing, poetry, or dance. Movement, whether it’s choreographing dance moves or biking, is helpful to keep a Pisces motivated. You also have a reputation for being a bit dreamy, so it’s important for you to stay grounded meditating or working with a therapist to understand your deep well of emotions.
