Tips on Keeping your Relationship Happy and Healthy
Somehow, Ground Hog Day has come and gone and I didn’t even notice… (see ‘ya next year Punxsutawney - Phil, well maybe not, LOL). I got pretty pumped with the videos and cool activity ideas in January; use these links if you missed them!
Well, Love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! I’m not one to give in to the retail marketing hype, but February (with it’s gloomy skies and frozen mornings) couldn’t be a better time to spread some love with the sunshine(s) in my life! It’s a great occasion to celebrate each other, spend quality time with close ones, and enjoy good food.
There are a lot of people who eagerly wait for this special day to express love and care for the love(s) of their life. I’ve got a few unique ways to experience the month of love, not just on the “one and only” celebrated V-Day….
While things may look and feel different for many of us this year, there are still plenty of ways to spend a special day with your partner, children, parents, girlfriend, boyfriend, husband, wife…. you get the idea. Just know that a genuine smile and hello can mean the world to someone!
While you are celebrating others (as well as some “self-love” for yourself), take a peak at my list of unique ideas to try out this month. Let’s remember to embellish on our core Essentials of Mindset, Nourishment, and Exercise to experience this second month of the year to the fullest.
Make a Vision Board
Carve out a few hours to focus on what you both (and/or your family) want for your future. But don't think of it as a study session; make it a collaborative “dream” session. You'll be surprised by how much fun the process is, plus you'll get to know your partner’s intimate feelings more deeply and have a chance to discuss your shared goals. Never done one before? Google “Vision Board”; you’ll see that it’s super easy and fun!
Hit a Trampoline Park or Try out the local Bowling Lanes
As we grow older, sometimes things can feel safe, but also predictable and routine. Shake these feelings by doing something playful together, like visiting a place like Sky Zone, an indoor trampoline park, or try out your local bowling lanes.
Volunteer
Surprisingly, focusing your attention on others can have a positive impact on your own relationship(s). Through volunteer work - like painting schools or serving meals at a soup kitchen - you're showing each other that you have compassion and empathy for strangers. Plus, you'll walk away feeling grateful for the many blessings you share together.
Go Skating
Try something out of your comfort zone - like ice skating or roller skating. Novelty is good for couples! What does novelty mean in a relationship?
While there are many things that can influence happiness in a long-term relationship one stands out that every couple can work on: novelty. Doing challenging, exciting, new things with your partner has proven both in and out of the lab to be one of the single most effective ways of keeping the spark alive.
Check Out a Museum
If you default to conversation about the kids or the long “to-do” list at home, try an activity - like a visit to a local museum - that will spark thoughtful conversation way outside the realm of your day-to-day responsibilities.
Plan a Mini Getaway
With Airbnb, you can inexpensively get a place away from home at a moments notice. Book a place with access to activities and amenities you wouldn't otherwise have at home, like, say, a fireplace or hot tub. Look at the reviews to see what others have said that peek your interests.
Use an App to Stargaze
Put on your warmest gear, bust out a blanket and take some time to admire the universe with the help of the Night Sky app which will actually show you what constellations you're looking at while you get to talk about your dreams while surrounded by the stars…
Go on a Hike or Work out together
Raise those feel-good endorphins by getting in some outdoor exercise. If weather permits, put on your warmest winter coat, lace up your hiking boots, and hit your favorite local trail - or an entirely new one. Either way, you're guaranteed to see some stunning scenery, and you'll have a chance to have a deep, meaningful conversation without any interruptions or distractions. And if it's not too chilly, make sure to pack the peanut butter and celery, some protein, a few pieces of fruit and water, so you can stop at a particularly gorgeous overlook and set up a picnic lunch.
Get a Couples Massage
If you have the time, plan a romantic day to relax and focus on each other. Some spas offer a full day fee that includes a massage, as well as access to hot tubs and indoor pools. If that's not in the budget, a less expensive alternative is to fill your bathtub with essential oils or some Dr. Teal’s fabulous smelling Epsom salts, line it with candles, and take a couples bath. Go ahead, use the whole bag!
Make Chocolate Fondue
What's more romantic than making your own chocolate covered strawberries at home with hot melted organic dark chocolate? Strawberries, raspberries and nuts work nicely and won’t blow your healthy diet. Just don’t fall into the trap of using pound cake or pretzels, why ruin a good thing?
A Take-Home Message
Whether you are celebrating on your own or with someone special, be kind to yourself and to others by following a feel-good healthy lifestyle. Valentines’ Day is usually focused on sweets, chocolates, candies and flowers but if you want to be good to yourself and others, nothing would be a better option than the greatest gift of life called “Health”.
At last, have fun, treat yourself, pamper each other, enjoy your home, indulge in healthy treats, and take this most romantic month of the year as a promise to ensure a healthy lifestyle!
THE most important thing in life, is how you feel about YOURSELF!!!!
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