6 Healthy Couples Activities

What do you and your significant other do when you are bored? If you are going to say that you only watch TV, I am here to help!

My husband and I agreed to cut out all TV when we got married, and we are still trying to stick to this goal a year later. We had a rough start, because TV is such an easy time filler; but we knew we would have to keep trying no mater what. Currently, we are sitting next to each other on our sofa. I am typing and he is reading a Tom Clancy book. So I can successfully report that living a no-TV life is possible!

I have included a list of our favorite activities below. What you will like will depend on your interests as well as your energy levels. Sometimes we enjoy going outside for exercise, but most of the time we are tired from work and simply want to unwind. During the "deaded" times, we have found it most relaxing to sit on the sofa together and either read our own books or listen to audio books. I hope you enjoy these activities; but please also feel free to send in your favorite pastimes as well! I'd love to hear what you do!

1. Story Time: Take Time to Read to Your Significant Other

My husband is an amazing narrator. He reads Harry Potter with more flair than the movie actors themselves, or at least I think he does. I am aware that not all of you may have such animated spouses, but maybe you can be the reader in your family! When my sailor and I want to spend time together outside of our own books, we will take time to enjoy a story together. Who is the better story teller/narrator in your household? I highly encourage you to start reading together as a couple or as a family. We are currently reading the Lord of the Rings and having a blast!

2. Puzzle Party: When Was the Last Time You Worked on a Puzzle?

Puzzles may seem old fashioned, but they are truly a hidden gem already available in most homes. If you know you have a few puzzles lying around, go ahead and pull them out; you don't necessarily need a new one. While putting a puzzle together as a family, it is nice to play either music or an audio book in the background. Let your mind decompress and be entertained all at once while enjoying a hyggeligt time. I recommend starting with around 500 pieces, as a thousand piece puzzle may be daunting for beginners. Did you enjoy puzzles as a kid? If so, I'm sure you'll enjoy them just as much now!

3. Board Games: Farkle Anyone?

If you have never played Farkle, I highly recommend you do soon. It is a quick and simple game that can provide much needed entertainment on a boring day. When my husband and I are tired of lounging around with our books, we head to the game closet and enjoy a quick game. Not everyone has time for Monopoly, but go for it if you do. If you are like us and want an out of the ordinary game for two, I recommend the following: Rivals for Catan, Farkle, Cribbage, Exploding Kittens, and Pandemic. Enjoy!

4. Evening Strolls: Get Familiar with your Neighborhood

When board and still somewhat energized, my husband and I go for a walk. When we are overly ambitious, we go for a jog. Walking not only reduces stress but also gets you out of the house, which is a must for evening homebodies such as myself. Have you ever walked around your neighborhood at dusk? If not, go for a tour and enjoy the sightseeing the different homes; you'll be glad you left the house and bring home a new appreciation for the unique houses that make your barrio one of a kind.

5. Badminton: The Ultimate Fun!

Though I do not consider myself sporty, I do consider myself a badminton champion. I need to join a team. Last fall, my husband and I purchased a $20 badminton set from Walmart that has lasted us thus far, though I will eventually need to buy a better quality one. We have abused the set and have grown quite good at the game. I highly encourage couples to get into the rather easy grove of playing badminton in the evenings after dinner. Playing is not that strenuous, but you can get a workout in if you are a lively player like me!

6. Target: It's Always a Wonderful Retreat

When all else fails and you are still bored, hop in your car. Even if it's late at night, Target will still be waiting for you. My husband continuously takes me to Target just to do laps of the store. We exercise a high degree of self control when there, but sometimes we do wind up picking up necessities that were already on our shopping list. Do you have a favorite store that you are happy to just walk around? I would love to hear what it is if you do!