Does it sound weird that it’s a good idea to read together? Perhaps, but it is. Even when you’re reading alone, you’re able to reduce your stress levels while stimulating

your mind. Reading also expands your vocabulary, improves your thinking and analytical skills and makes you a better writer. Data reveals that reading significantly increases your level of concentration and

focus---and what relationship doesn’t need more of that? Instead of always laying on the couch and watching television (click here to read how that can actually work against

you), pull out a book that you both want to read and cuddle up while switching up chapters. It will make you feel closer while you’re learning. As a bonus,

reading before retiring for the night can improve your quality of sleep too.

Even 30 minutes of quality time can go a really long way. On the weeks when your schedule is tight, make it a plan to go for a walk at

sunrise or right after dinner. Alone. Walking outside a half-hour a day can decrease toxins in your body, lower your risk of heart disease, tone the body and significantly increase

your mood. That’s because walking helps to modify your nervous system. So, if you and yours recently had an argument, you might be surprised how much it will help the

both of you to forgive more quickly if you simply…walk it off. Together.

It’s always a good idea to spend some time with Mother Nature. It’s one of the best ways to get in touch with your spirituality. It’s also another way to

get fresh air. Aside from these two things, being outside will get you a nice dose of Vitamin D (from the sun). If you decide to go hiking, biking or

kayaking, you’ll also get plenty of exercise. Even something as simple as going on a picnic can calm your senses. A picnic is pretty romantic too. (Click here

for some tips on how to surprise your spouse with a really special picnic surprise!)

When’s the last time that just the two of you took a vacation...alone...together? If it’s been more than a year, it’s way past due! Before buying couple of plane tickets, how

about renting a car instead? It gives you both the opportunity to “disconnect” from the rest of the world, turn on your radio and just hang out as you hit

the open road. Another cool thing about road trips is you can make little stops along the way at certain restaurants, boutiques and other sites that you probably wouldn’t know

about any other way. Even just a weekend road trip can do wonders for your marriage as you share memories, talk about the future and find a nice bed and

breakfast to, you know what, in.

You might be thinking, “We talk all of the time. What do we need a journal for?” We’ll put it this way: One of the main causes of divorce is

poor communication, and that comes as a result of not sitting down and really listening to each other. Writing in a marriage journal can give you both the opportunity to

share some of your innermost feelings, have your spouse process and then also respond in writing. It’s also a way to write down prayers, pen love letters and favorite lines of

poetry or lyrics of songs for one another. That way, when one of you are away (like maybe on a business trip), you can look back at what has already

been written down and feel closer to one another.

Your spouse is more than your lover. They are also your life partner! They are the person you can dream with and work together to make those dreams a reality.

When you set a goal that requires a lot of faith and trust in one another, that can automatically connect you in a very profound way. Try and set no

less than three big goals this year, and work to achieve them. Then watch what it does for your marriage in the months to come!