We all feel stressed from time to time. Work might pile up, the kids might test your patience, or you might have a big event coming up. Whatever the cause, stress changes the way we interact with the people around us. When you or your partner are feeling stressed, there might be tension between you or things might not be going as smoothly as they usually do. Working with your partner to plan a big event, especially during wedding season, can be particularly straining. If you’re planning your big day, a party for a friend, or organizing travel plans to see loved ones tie the knot...it can be overwhelming. You might not agree on everything, and that’s okay. The important thing is to compromise and know when to let things go.
Regardless of what is making you feel overwhelmed, it is important to take a step back and remember the things that you value most—especially the people. We tapped into our own iFit team for some advice on what they do to destress with their S.O. When times get a little tough, here are some fun ways you can destress with your significant other!
Talk it out & listen
Having a conversation when things are getting tense is a great way to get back in sync. If you see signs of stress in your partner, just ask them what’s going on and listen. Licensed clinical social worker and author of “Every Day Love: The Delicate Art of Caring For Each Other,” Judy Ford says that listening is a crucial aspect of making our partner feel cared for. In return, when we are listened to, we also feel cared for. Ford also advises “comfort each other first, problem solve second,” so simply talking about your feelings and making sure both of you feel comforted is important before diving into possible solutions.
Make time for intimacy
Physical intimacy is so important in relationships, and not just because it’s an expression of love (and fun). Sex can help boost your mood as it stimulates certain parts of your brain that not only give you pleasure, but relax and destress you, as well. When we get busy or stressed, sex often gets put on the backburner. If busy schedules have put a damper on your time for physical intimacy, make time. Hang out in bed during the day, take a nap together, or take a bath together—you’ll both be thankful and feel more relaxed!
Plan a date night
Going out on a simple date can be a great way to reset. Something as easy as seeing a movie or grabbing a quick bite to eat outside of the house can help you both unwind and distract you from whatever is going on. As you plan out your week, make sure you make room for some quality time with your significant other. If you have kids, hire a nanny for a few hours on a Friday night, send them to a friend’s house, or you can have a late night, at-home date once they’re in bed. However you do it, it’s important to make time for you and your partner to just hang out.
Forget your devices
More than just a tool to keep ourselves in communication with the outside world, our phones can be a huge distraction. Even when work isn’t crazy, I often catch myself refreshing emails at 8 p.m. or scrolling through Instagram while my boyfriend and I are sitting on the couch. Going on a walk, cooking dinner, or watching a movie sans mobile devices can help you make sure the time you’re spending with your partner is quality time.
Play outside
Working eight hours a day, five days a week, indoors, under fluorescent lights, and staring at a computer is not necessarily the definition of a healthy lifestyle. For a lot of us, that’s our regular routine from Monday through Friday. I love my job...but sometimes my surroundings can make me feel cooped up and stressed. If you’re suffering from cabin fever, grab your significant other and go outside for a walk! Plan a weekend hike or a beach day. Being in nature improves your mental and physical health—so you’ll both feel better!
Try something new
Although tradition is great, maybe opt for something new instead of going for the usual date night spot or activity. Opening your mind to a new experience or place can be really exciting and help you avoid boredom. It also gives you and your partner a chance to find something new that you love (or something that you both hate, laugh about, and never do again). You can check your surrounding areas for what you can do, but some suggestions are rock climbing, axe throwing, or hitting a trampoline park.
Exercise together
Whether it’s going on a quick run, going to the gym together, or even taking the dogs out to the park for a game of frisbee, exercising together can be a great way for you and your partner to unwind. Focusing your mind on a physical activity will help you forget about the things that are stressing you out. Plus, when you exercise, your body releases endorphins and other feel-good neurotransmitters that will help you feel more relaxed and boost your mood!
Think outside of the box
No matter what you do to destress with your partner, the important thing is that you are doing it together. You don’t need a crazy date night, vacation, or life-changing meal to get back to a good place, because, ultimately, it’s about the love you have for each other and enjoying each other’s company. Bring up an old inside joke, put on a show you both love, or listen to some music and dance around. Just when you’re present mentally and enjoying each others’ company can make a world of difference.
