Turn off the TV! 10 offline activities that spark closeness with your spouse

Offline activities help you and your partner bond.

After a long day of feeding the family, getting the kids to bed, and cleaning up the kitchen, many couples find themselves defaulting to the couch and remote. But we’re encouraging you to try something new.

Marriage and Family Therapist Zak Hazlett shared 10 activities designed to spark emotional bonding and closeness between you and your partner.

The Importance of Novelty

Zak emphasized the importance of novelty in relationships. “If you get into a routine too much, it wears off the newness of it,” he explained. The excitement and dopamine rush from doing something new can strengthen the bond between partners, even after decades of marriage.

The Downside of TV

While watching TV together isn’t necessarily bad, Zak pointed out that the type of TV you watch can impact your bonding. “If you watch shows that are a little scarier or cause stress, you have more cortisol in your body,” he said. Stress doesn’t bond people together in a positive way. Instead, opt for uplifting shows that release oxytocin, the bonding chemical.

10 Activities to Try

1. Back Porch Date

Take your date outside for a change. “Anything you can do to change where you are grounds you a little bit,” Zak suggested.

2. Play a Game

Throw in a quick game or puzzle to break the routine. “Doing something that’s very intentional. Outside of the norm is fun and easy,” Zack said.

3. Nightly Walk

Try a nightly walk. “When you walk together, you feel a sense of safety and protection,” Zak noted.

4. Cook or Bake Something Ridiculous

Get creative in the kitchen and have fun with it.

5. Swap 10-Minute Massages

A quick massage can lead to more physical closeness and relaxation.

6. Ask a New Question

Keep the novelty alive by asking new questions. “The novelty that comes from continuing to get to know people is huge,” Zak explained.

7. Stretch Side by Side

Stretching together can be a fun and healthy way to connect. “Let’s stretch, talk while we’re stretching,” Zak suggested.

8. Read a Book Out Loud

Reading together can feel like old-school romance. “Especially if you’re sharing stories, it can be very bonding,” Zak said.

9. Make a Someday List

Create a list of things you want to do someday. “It’s kind of like a bucket list, but someday makes it a little more real,” Zak explained.

10. Candlelight Closeness

Enjoy the intimacy that comes with candlelight. “The closeness of candles and all the things,” Zak said.

Follow Zak for more advice on Instagram @the_outdoor_therapist and visit getoutsidetogether.com.