Life can be pretty stressful nowadays; family and work responsibilities can often get on top of the most grounded people. When you’re in a relationship, it’s important not to let the stress and pressure affect your everyday life together, and you also need to appreciate they might be feeling a little stressed too. If you both work a nine-to-five job, it’s important to find time to unwind together because too often, there will be things that get in the way of valuable one-to-one time. It could be work commitments, errands to run, kids to help with their homework and countless other things that divert your attention away from spending quality time together relaxing. Here are some ideas on how you can redress the balance.

You might think that date nights are just for young lovers, but they do have an important part to play in a relationship, however old you may be! It’s the most common piece of advice for anyone wanting to get the spark back into their marriage: take the night off from all your responsibilities, including the kids, and go out and enjoy yourselves together. Don’t consider it to be a luxury. Instead, consider it an essential part of your normal routine.

Physical touch can be very powerful if you want to de-stress and improve your general wellbeing. A massage will slow your heart rate, relax your muscles, and lower the levels of cortisol [the stress hormone]. If you want to learn how to do it properly, you could try couples’ massage classes. Alternatively, let a professional provide the service for you and enjoy it together. There will be a number of places you can go, for example, if you live in the UK, heavenandearthmassage.co.uk will be able to help.

You’ll be amazed at how much a healthy dose of nature can improve your mood. Nature can lift the spirit, refresh and invigorate your body and nourish your mind. Try hiking, or enjoy a sunset together over a picnic. Take a bottle of wine, some fine snack foods, and cuddle up together under the stars.

Take the opportunity to try a new style of cooking, or spend time in the kitchen together creating your favorite meal. Why not find out about cooking classes in the area and learn something new together? While you’re cooking, play some relaxing tunes in the background to set the mood for the evening. After your meal, why not soak in the bath? Add your favorite essential oils, Epsom salts, and continue with your relaxing evening until it’s time to hit the hay.

These are just a few ideas to help inspire you. There are a vast variety of things you can do to relax together. The most important thing is for it to be something you will both look forward to, and it won’t require too much planning or effort. You might find something completely different that helps you both to relax.