With many restaurants, stadiums, clubs, and other social arenas being shut down or at limited capacity many of us find ourselves at home with our significant others. It’s easy to fall into a routine of sitting on the couch and binging out on a show. However studies have shown that too much screen time can have negative effects on the brain. Here are 10 fun activities you can do with your partner that do not include a screen:
Strength Training
It’s easier to stick to a workout regime and it also helps push yourself when you have a partner working out with you. Some free weight exercises require a partner so that you can be “spotted” or supported when lifting something heavy. This activity keeps couples close and fit, a win-win situation.
Puzzles:
Bill and Melinda Gates have been together 25 years, and both say they enjoy working on puzzles together. It is a fun activity that requires thought and patience. Done as a couple, it is a great way to work together to get to the big picture, literally. A great activity for a couple during their COVID-19 downtime.
Cooking:
Now is the best time to make a home-made version of your favorite take out meals. You could also experiment with new styles of cooking such as plant based alternatives. Or stick with something simple like a salad. Cooking together is a great activity because you can both enjoy the end result of your labor of love within an hour or so. Thus, the gratification of a job well done is not too delayed.
Walking:
This low impact exercise has numerous health benefits. Some benefits include: improved circulation, weight loss, and joint support. You can carry on a conversation with this low intensity cardiovascular workout, and communication is key to a long, healthy relationship.
Playing board games:
Break out your old chess, Monopoly, Uno, Scrabble, or Bananagrams pouch and play some one on one games. Playing board games are not only a good way to have some clean fun with your partner, but they also help keep your brain juices flowing.
Reading:
Many may think this is a solo activity, however reading a good book next to your partner is a great way to mentally enjoy individual things while being physically close to the one you love. This healthy activity is fantastic to do together before bedtime.
Cleaning:
Not many people enjoy cleaning, but you can make this a fun activity by playing music you both enjoy. A clean home is a happy home and has been linked to better mental health.
Stargazing:
Love during the time of COVID-19 can be a bit difficult to navigate as far as date nights go. However a great date idea would be driving an hour away from a busy city to star gaze. It’s extremely romantic, and also free to do.
Yoga:
This is a stressful time for everyone. Even if you have a job, you still know someone or multiple people who do not. A great way to relieve stress is to do yoga and there are plenty of poses that you can reach a deeper stretch with a partner.
Couple’s Massage:
A classic, romantic couple’s activity: massages. Put on some relaxing music, dim the lights, and spend some time massaging one another. Use a soothing body oil, such as lavender, to work out the knots of stress caused by COVID.
