You only get four (or five) Saturdays out of the month – use them wisely.
With the weekend gone in practically the blink of an eye, it can be hard to go through the rat race of the week and slowly unwind with no agenda come Saturday – except planning to relax.
What does it take, though, to let one’s mind be at ease when laundry is waiting, the fridge might be empty and Monday is right around the corner with a to-do list a mile long?
According to https://www.mindbodygreen.com/, practicing self-care as an individual or couple care together can be an important way to do an emotional check-in, if you will, to reignite and deepen the bonds of a relationship. What better day than a Saturday to do that?
Self-care is described as taking time away from the daily grind and working on oneself; couple care is the same concept but along with a significant other. Having engaged, mindful couple care is important and a good part of personal growth and development in a way that helps a couple thrive in unison and as an individual.
Here are some tips:
Carve Out Time for Goal Setting
Take some time out to look over goals regularly, per Mind Body Green, and ensure you and yours are constantly working on the present and future visions and dreams for yourself and your family.
Discussing and sharing this mindful habit with a significant other can have a greater impact on accountability and increased oneness as a couple with someone rooting for you.
“You can work on setting your goals together, or set them separately and then share,” according to certified life coach Melissa Snow as quoted in the article. “This invites conversation about what they are excited about, what their fears are, and how you can help.”
Have a Project on Deck to Do Together
From finishing that deck in the backyard (literally) to practicing a foreign language together or doing something else that gives you both a sense of accomplishment, having a regular hobby or project creates a sense of achievement together.
“Learning something new is fun, and it also keeps the brain active,” mindset coach Melissa Wolak is quoted in the article. “When you share a project together as a couple, it cultivates teamwork but also an experience where you can learn together, create something new, and you laugh at mistakes.”
Read a Good Book Together
During that downtime on Saturday, it can be great to do nothing other than recharge with a good book. From turning the pages of a thriller, bibliography or new adventure book – taking in a fresh perspective through a new read can help a couple learn. Reading is also a nice way to relieve stress, grow new skills, and share experiences, according to the article.
“Reading provides new intellectual stimulation and a conversation topic outside of work and home life,” said Wolak in the article. “On the cognitive side, reading, remembering the details, and discussing the book together are great brain exercises.”
Breathe in, Breathe Out
Pray or meditate together and while finding that inner balance while releasing those negative feelings.
“When couples take the time and make the commitment to share their meditation practice, they strengthen their relationship and improve their overall well-being,” according to executive wellness coach Naz Beheshti.
Meditate or pray when it feels right – before bed or early in the morning. Sitting still and practicing breathing or meditating can be a powerful thing, according to the article. Beheshti suggests a back-to-back position, helping the couples to synchronize their breathing.
Leave the House
You don’t have to plan a luxurious trip out of the country to say you took a trip with your significant other. Take a walk around the neighborhood, watch a good movie at the local theater – have a picnic in the park. Being outside, according to the article, can take away stress and can be a more connective experience for couples.
“Regardless of whether you have a dog to exercise, getting outside together is an ideal opportunity to combine exercise and fresh air,” Karen Tindall, a certified life coach in Arkansas, was quoted as saying in the article. “It creates a time when you can have undistracted conversations away from technology and prying ears of family.”
Spending quality time with a significant other, while prioritizing mental health with couple care is crucial to any relationship – plus it makes for a better connection, too.
