In the Stars

The Best Ways for Each Zodiac Sign to Successfully Form Healthy New Habits

Tips for using astrology to find your next passion project or fun pursuit.
woman doing yoga at home on pink starry background
Getty Images / Allure: Bella Garaci

Regardless of our zodiac sign characteristics, most of our lives have been drastically changed since the COVID-19 pandemic began two years ago. While the world has continued the Great Reopening, many of us are still adjusting and living cautiously. One thing seems to be true: Whether you started working remotely or simply go out less, you're likely spending more time at home. When we're home alone, it's easy to fall into the traps of isolation and pick up unhealthy habits, such as social media stalking or getting stuck in the 24/7 news cycle (the lunar cycle is a far better one to get caught up in anyway…am I right?). So, rather than use your time at home to constantly doom-scroll there's never been a better time to break such bad habits and pick up a hobby.

Changing habits or rituals during this time can help you maintain a sense of normalcy in addition to teaching you a new skill. "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. So how long does it take to form a new habit? 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

And if you're looking to break a bad habit, such as stalking your ex? "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." The same is true for picking up a new habit. If what you are trying to start, such as exercise, releases dopamine, it will be easier to pick up. 

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. Read on to learn how your astrological sign forms a new habit. 

Skip straight to your sign:
Aries

Aries, a fiery and ambitious ram is the first sign of the zodiac. 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 and get in touch with your inner child, 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 sensual sign loves comfort. That doesn't mean you can't get your hands dirty, though. You're an earth sign, after all. Determined Taurus makes for an excellent protester, but when you come home after fighting the system, you will need some time to unwind. Your home is your sanctuary. 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 and invokes a feeling of comfort. 

Gemini

Chatty Gemini has a busy mind. Not only is this sign represented by the twins, but you're also ruled by messenger planet Mercury, which rules over communication. While this can make you socially popular and a 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 be such a heartbreaker). Other good habits for this zodiac sign to form are journaling, dancing, or anything that involves self-expression. 

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. Crabs have claws, after all, and they side-step the same way Cancers do. As a result, your devilish side loves to party and can be moody. Cancer's famous moods are often the result of avoidant behavior, which is why you need comforting routines to keep you feeling safe. 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, getting into astronomy, astrology, or learning how to work with tarot cards

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. And, there's nothing wrong with that. You're a lion ruled by the sun, you were made to bask in attention. Great habits for Leos include working with the sun, such as gardening, or anything that connects you with others, such as online group dance classes. Now, go turn your new dance moves into viral TikToks into a super-fun hobby.

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. Virgo is also represented by the hermit card in the tarot, so you should lean into alone time to recharge. The best new habits for you, hardworking Virgo, are all about self-care. If you don't have one already, start working with a therapist and treat yourself to a massage to help release any tension. You may also connect with detail-oriented hobbies, such as sewing, cross-stitching, or other types of crafts. 

Libra

Libra is represented by the scales, and this sign 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. And yes, Libra: sex can count as something active. Because your ruling planet is romantic Venus, you may also enjoy writing poetry or playing with new makeup looks and sharpening your glamour skills. Feel free show off your skills on social media, but be cautious of getting waylaid by discretions, whether that be FOMO from your timeline or an ex's thirst-trap DMs.

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. But your signature intensity has a sexy side, Scorpio. Consider investing in a new sex toy or finally acting out new kinks. Scorpios can also benefit from shadow work or anything that helps you heartily connect with your dark side, such as writing, therapy, or picking up a new instrument. 

Sagittarius 

Sagittarius loves knowledge 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. You're the perfect sign to start learning a new language. Loud archers need company, so safely collaborating with others — such as a new tutor or conversational practice partner — 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. Now is an ideal time to launch a new side business or redecorate your home. 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. You should also consider tapping into your sensual side because you already tend to pour so much of yourself into your business life. This includes exploring new fantasies, spending quality time with your partner, or getting back into the dating scene. 

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 to take care of yourself. Try to balance your career and community work with new habits and hobbies that bring you joy. You're also a proud weirdo and the alien of the zodiac, so consider exploring bold makeup looks or studying occult subjects such as how to do a birth chart reading.

Pisces

Pisces is one of the most creative signs of the zodiac and will benefit from picking up a new, artistic hobby. As an intuitive water sign, you are great at creative hobbies such as painting, and writing (especially memoirs and fiction). 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, but use this to your advantage by starting a dream journal. You're a very psychic sign, and messages may appear to you in dreams.