It's a Classical Life

Last week I spoke about beginning the new year with a journey towards simplicity . One of the key points of which I spoke, was continuing with something that is good for you or that brings you benefit before starting something new. As many of us are looking to improve our health as a new year's resolution (myself included), I thought now would be a good time to consider a gentle way to get moving. Last year I was experiencing a lot of trouble with my back and shoulder, so I saw a physiotherapist. He gave me some simple stretches to do at home and began working on bringing some flexibility and movement to my otherwise stiff spine. I'm not alone. This sort of upper back stiffness is a by-product of the sedentary lifestyle that so many of us are living at the moment. Additionally, sitting or lying too much can contribute to other health problems such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular issues . Mental health issues are also linked to an over-sedentary lifestyle. Well, if this ...

    "Here's harmony!" said she, "Here's repose! Here's what may leave all painting and music behind, and what poetry only can attempt to describe. Here's what may tranquilize every care, and lift the heart to rapture! When I look out on such a night as this, I feel as if there could be neither wickedness nor sorrow in the world; and there certainly would be less of both if the sublimity of Nature were more attended to, and people were carried more out of themselves by contemplating such a scene."                                                                                                                        Mansfield Park ...

  It's not as strange as it sounds looking to Jane Austen for health and wellbeing tips. Her books are littered with references to "health and happiness", "glowing health", "cheerful dispositions" and "blooms full of health." And her tips and tricks for a healthy and happy life aren't as wild as you might think. There is no sweating it out at a gym or counting calories. People ate as well as they could afford to, although mostly in moderation (those who were known to 'pig out' were often gently mocked or criticised). The tips I have included here will not surprise you. There are, for the most part, common sense. General regard for one's wellbeing was common and the necessary care was taken to ensure that people were able to return to their full health, if unwell.  Take the time to recover properly “Jane caught a bad cold, poor thing! so long ago as the 7th of November, (as I am going to read to you,) and has never been well si...