The cost-of-living crisis is impacting people in many ways. Not surprisingly, date nights and lavish getaways have fallen by the wayside as many couples try to make ends meet.
According to Elizabeth Jane, while people are under more financial pressure, it is important to ensure that couples are still making the effort to keep their relationship alive by focusing on affordable romantic activities. Romance doesn’t have to be expensive it just has to be thoughtful and fun.
Elizabeth Jane, respected wellbeing and mindfulness keynote speaker, relationships’ coach and mentor, celebrated artist and author of Amazon best-seller ‘Free and First – Unlocking Your Ultimate Life’, shares some tips to help people overcome relationship anxiety.
Jane experienced a sudden and traumatic divorce after 25 years of marriage and during her difficult and life changing journey of rebuilding her life and finding her new path, she journalled the process translating her insights and learnings into a highly sought-after self-help book.
Jane now speaks all over the world and shares her insights and tools on how to survive and overcome difficult and challenging life experiences as well as how to find joy, and in the process, rediscover yourself.
The power of presence
“The most important factor to empowered relationships is to ensure that you are fully present when you spend time together. If you are lost in your thoughts of the day or week this can dampen your mood and prevent you from fully enjoying your time together,” Jane said.
Authentic conversations
“Another prerequisite to keeping romance alive is that we need to give ourselves time off life’s hamster wheel to stop and feel how we truly feel and have the courage to speak up to our partner as to what is bothering us,” Jane said.
Such conversations handled in the right manner, build intimacy rather than walls, whereby partners shut out each other regarding their needs. Tools and tips to empowered conversations are discussed in Jane’s book
“Keeping romance alive doesn’t require grand gestures; small, thoughtful actions can make a significant impact,” Jane added.
Leave sweet notes
“Notes are such an easy and romantic way to let your partner know how much you care for them. Tuck little love notes into your partner’s bag, wallet or lunch. A simple ‘I love you’ or ‘Thinking of you’ can brighten their day,” Jane said.
“When things are bothering you a ‘pink elephant’ card or whatever symbol works for you, can signify that something more concerning needs to be discussed at a mutual time.”
Cook a meal together
“Cooking a meal together is a wonderful activity to undertake as it enables you to share the task, have fun and learn more about each other,” Jane said.
“Plan a simple dinner date at home. Cooking together can be a great bonding experience and you get to enjoy a homemade meal afterward. You also learn more about what your partner likes.”
Go walking together
“Go for a stroll in a nearby park or around your neighbourhood. Holding hands and chatting during a peaceful walk can be very intimate,” Jane said.
“Stop at a lookout, top of a hill, or under a tree and catch your breath. Spending time together in nature can be extremely powerful and helps to reduce stress.”
Compliment each other
“Make it a habit to regularly express what you love about your partner. Compliments, whether about their appearance or something they did, reinforce positive feelings,” Jane said.
“Take the time to observe and take note of how they do things. Show them you care by mentioning small things they do that really make a big impact on your life.”
Create a playlist
“Curate a playlist of songs that have meaning in your relationship, like songs from your first date, wedding, or other special moments,” Jane said.
Plan surprise dates
“Occasionally plan a surprise date or activity. It doesn’t have to be elaborate; a picnic in the backyard or a movie night can be just as special,” Jane said.
“Be inventive and do things such as recreate your first date together. Visit the same place or do the same activity you did when you first met. Find a nice a nice spot to watch the sunrise or sunset. It’s a simple, yet romantic way to spend time together.”
Plan no-tech evenings
“Spend an evening together without any technology; no phones, no TV, just the two of you talking, playing a game, or doing something you both enjoy,” Jane said.
“You will be surprised how much fun you can have together doing this. It is a great way to reconnect and bond.”
Share a new hobby
“Youtube is an incredible online space where you can learn to dance, sing, speak another language or even cook,” Jane said.
“It is free as well. Exploring a new activity can bring you closer. Why not use resources available to you to create new memories together.”
Surprise breakfast in bed
“Who doesn’t like breakfast in bed. Surprise your partner with breakfast in bed. It’s a simple, yet intimate gesture that can set a positive tone for the day and you can have so much fun together in a relaxed and comfortable environment,” Jane said.
Jane emphasised that these small, inexpensive gestures can help maintain a strong connection and keep the romance alive in your relationship.
“These are things couples can do together that don’t involve spending a lot of money. They just need thought and time,” Jane said.
“However, no matter how you choose to spend time together, the most essential ingredients for a thriving relationship are the gifts of your full presence as well as authentic, heartfelt, two-way conversations whereby both parties can be heard and appreciated.”
About Elizabeth Jane
Elizabeth Jane is an Australian artist, author and public speaker. She uses a selection of painting media in her art, including acrylic oil and water colour. Digital and canvas versions of her art are available for purchase through her website. Jane’s debut book, ‘Free and First—Unlocking Your Ultimate Life’, was written as part of her healing process following her divorce, which ended a 25-year marriage. Jane aims to develop wellness centres and healing sanctuaries focused on helping people to recover from relationship breakdowns and other life issues.
For more information about Elizabeth Jane’s publications visit: www.elizabethjane.com.au
