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October 15, 2019

7 Ways Couples Can Practice Self-Care Together

There is no doubt that we live in a bustling world. The stress that we feel on a daily or weekly basis can make us more irritable and anxious. In turn, we may take our frustrations out on our unsuspecting partner.

Don’t let the stress of life ruin your wonderful relationship. Practice self-care instead!

Self-care in relationships may sound like just another chore on your list of things to do, but it doesn’t have to be! When practiced with your spouse, self-care should be a fun, intimate, bonding experience between you and your partner.

There are many different ways you can practice self-care, from purposely pursuing a more peaceful life to getting your heart pumping at the gym. Keep reading for seven ways you can practice self-care as a couple.

  1. Exercise Together

There are plenty of reasons why working out regularly as a couple can be good for your health. It goes without saying that exercise can contribute to weight loss, maintaining one’s weight, boosting your mood, and toning the body. But working out as a couple also has its benefits.

Studies show that when you work out with a partner, you actually put more effort into your time at the gum. The Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology found that working out with a spouse boosted the couple’s determination by 24%. Working out as a couple also relieves stress and can keep you regular at the gym.

  1. Have a day for Pampering

Imagine your perfect day. What does it look like? Many couples might picture laying out on a beach with a cocktail, getting couple’s massages, or spending the day in bed watching Netflix together.

Whatever your perfect day is, make it happen at least once a week. This exciting or relaxing event will give you something to look forward to throughout the work week. It can also contribute to the overall happiness you feel in your relationship.

  1. Have a Regular Date Night

A regular date night has many benefits. Research compiled by The National Marriage Project found that a regular date night can boost the romantic love you feel for your partner. It also makes your marriage feel more exciting and prevents intimate boredom.

Dating your spouse has also been shown to lower divorce rates, heighten communication, and increase sexual satisfaction.

Date night can also contribute to your intimate connection to your spouse. Not only does physical intimacy deepen your bond and strengthen trust, but it can also benefit your health. Regular intimacy has been proven to reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke, lower risks during pregnancy, and may help prevent prostate cancer.

  1. Create Healthy Goals Together

One great way to practice self-care in relationships is by communication and bonding over shared goals. Create a list of goals you want to achieve as a couple, such as:

  • Pick up a new hobby together
  • Spending more quality time together
  • Start volunteering
  • Be more active or to get fit as a couple
  • Spend at least one day a week doing nothing
  • Taking care of the house together
  • Traveling as a couple

Having shared goals will help you feel happier and more connected to your partner. It will also boost your sense of cooperation and teamwork.

  1. Meditate as a Couple

When you picture that act of meditation, do you envision someone on a yoga mat with crossed legs and closed eyes? If so, just know this is not a requirement for meditation!

All you need to meditate is to set aside ten to twenty minutes a day and have a quiet space to sit. You can meditate on many things – your faith, goals you have, something you read, or even your relationship.

Studies show that meditation can actually improve your brain health. Individuals who meditate regularly protect their brain structure and function against progressive age-related decline.

Mindfulness meditation can be extremely helpful in pursuing self-care in relationships. Research indicates that meditation can reduce anxiety-related behaviors such as having panic attacks, improve attention spans, and reduce stress.

  1. Do Yoga

Yoga is an amazing tool for pursuing self-care. The International Journal of Yoga reveals that regular practice can help couples pursue peace and calm in their lives.

When you practice intricate couple’s yoga poses together, you actually boost your trust and communication skills. Learning how to hold these intense positions can also improve your figure, increase strength, and give you a wild sex life.

  1. Unplug on a Regular Basis

In order to practice self-care in relationships, couples must be willing to take time out from their cellphones.

Studies show that using social media can actually be harmful to your love life. One survey revealed that one in 10 couples admit to checking their cell phone during sex. This is a prime example of how your phone could be distracting you from having a meaningful relationship.

Research indicates that individuals who are glued to social media also tend to have worse mental health.

Further cell phone studies show that “phubbing” – the act of ignoring your spouse in favor of your phone – creates a decline in marital satisfaction and increases depression.

Stress is on the rise these days and can put a damper on your otherwise happy relationship.  That is why it is important to practice self-care in relationships. Doing so will help you and your spouse have happier, more fulfilling lives together. You can pursue peace by devoting a day to pampering yourselves, having a regular date night, and exercising together.

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