Many of us are fans of Jane Austen and her famous novels. And if you are not a fan, you might have heard a quote or two from her work. I recently watched the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice, a movie I have watched several times. Watching it now in 2020 while in social isolation, it gave me some ideas on how to improve my “current situation”. Although I am not in want of a husband, as I have one already, I can share five insights that are inspired from Jane Austen into how we can live in our new present reality of having to stay at home more.
- “Ah! There is nothing like staying at home, for real comfort”.
In social isolation we are stuck at home, so how can we make the most of it? Spring cleaning comes to mind. Spring is all about renewal and is a great time to pick up those household projects that have been neglected. It is a great time to do a deep cleaning, declutter, and organize. Start in one room, and go room by room. Make space, determine items that you really need vs those you can donate. Even though we can’t donate currently, we can store our donations until donation centers open up again.
During this time at home, why not take up a new or forgotten hobby? Jane Austen’s ladies were so “accomplished”.
“A woman must have a thorough knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing, all the modern languages, to deserve the word; and besides all this, she must possess a certain something in her air and manner of walking, the tone of her voice, her address, and expressions, or the word will be but half deserved.”
With more time spent now at home to stay positive and if time permits, why not take up a hobby that you have either forgotten about or one you want to learn. Having goals during a time of stress is a great strategy to help you through this time. Think about what brings you joy? Is there anything you want to learn how to do? Gardening, photography, sewing, drawing, painting, exercising, or playing an instrument. There are also book clubs to join, online dance classes to take. Ideas are endless.
- Take a “turn about the room, it’s so refreshing”.
Staying at home, we are definitely walking less, as we aren’t going to and from work or school. Some people live in areas where going out and walking around isn’t permitted or encouraged. If you can’t go outside for a walk while social distancing, walk around inside the house. Grab whomever you are social distancing with (if possible) and take a stroll around your house! Go up and down the stairs, set an alarm to remind yourself to get up. In between activities try to get some exercise.
- Put on your best clothes to have dinner and sit in your living room afterward.
And really, why not? Is anyone putting on jeans or doing their makeup these days? Maybe… probably not, since we don’t have “occasions” to get dressed up. In the past, people did dress up with their families and within their household to have dinner and sit afterward to socialize in the living room. So why not do it now? Maybe pick a day or two a week and have everyone dress up! Have themed dinners, such as taco Tuesday in tutus and tuxedos. Okay probably not tuxedos, as who really has a tux in their closet. But you get my point. Have a gala, get the kids involved to make some decorations. Pull out your china or what you consider your fancier dinnerware. Make it special, do up your hair. Have date nights.
- Use this time to refresh ourselves on manners and formalities.
I feel like with work and school, mornings can be rushed. Since there is now no rush to get out the door in the morning, take the time to make sure you and the kids are making their beds, tidying up their rooms, and getting ready for the day. A day in isolation but nonetheless, a brand new day.
After watching Pride and Prejudice, I find we are not using proper formalities and titles as much as they did back then. For example, how often do we use titles such as Sir and Madam to address someone, especially elders. Does your family have customs or etiquettes that you want to maintain? Creating a family code of conduct is always a good idea to uphold your family’s values and make sure you are teaching your children manners and formalities that you want to instill in them.
- Writing and receiving letters.
How many of us send and receive letters these days, or even pick up the telephone to call people we know and love? In this time of global stress and isolation, now more than ever we need to stay in contact with friends and family. Pick up the phone, text, video call, send an email or even write a letter to someone in your life. Is there someone whom you used to be closer with? A family or friend whom you’ve lost touch with. Reach out. Make a list of all the family and friends that you want to connect with, and then contact each one. Ask them how they are doing and offer a quick update.
I hope in reading this post you can take away an idea or two. We all need to stay positive in this time of social isolation. I’ll end this post with the following quotation from Sense and Sensibility:
“But remember that the pain of parting from friends will be felt by everybody at times, whatever be their education or state. Know your own happiness. You want nothing but patience; or give it a more fascinating name: call it hope”. ~ Jane Austen
Stacy