Mindful exercises to do together as a couple for a happy and healthy relationship

Mindfulness is often defined as a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present while acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts and bodily sensations. And it is a practice you need to inculcate if you haven’t already— it will help you manage stress better and experience lesser anxiety and depression in your day-to-day living. And couples who practice mindful living lead healthier and more conflict-free lives together. There’s a lot that you can do to build intimacy and nurture growth in a positive and constructive manner; here are some ways to go about it.

Give your partner a sensual massage 

Mindful living can be perceived as a way of pausing and just being in the moment. One of the ways to slow down and take out some time for each other, is to give a relaxing, sensual massage. Grab those essential oils, light some candles, draw the curtains and give your partner the pampering they need. If you want to make it more special, head into a hot bath right after, and enjoy a perfect day together.

Make a vision board together 

Vision boards help to affirm the myriad of dreams in our minds. Creating a shared vision board with your partner will help the two of you work towards and achieve the goals that you both have for the relationship. This activity is not only a great way to spend some quality time with each other but will also give you a chance to communicate and discuss your expectations from the relationship. Get out those scissors, glue bottles and glitter that you haven’t used since you were 13, and get creative. Put down your goals—a new house, a travelling adventure, more date nights, and a new skill to learn together, among other things, and see them through until you’ve achieved them.

Take part in some couples‘ yoga 

Mindful living would be entirely incomplete without some yoga and meditation. Couples yoga is not just some (hot) yoga poses with each other; it is more about tuning into each other’s bodies, understanding each other’s minds, aligning with each other’s breaths, and seeking deeper support from one another. It will also help increase physical intimacy between couples and reduce stress and anxiety in day-to-day life. Post a yoga session, spend a few minutes meditating together, and say some affirmations for the relationship.

Keep a shared gratitude journal 

They say a grateful heart is a magnet for miracles. It must be true. Practicing gratitude channelises a positive and optimistic way of thinking rather than being sucked into the whirlwind of negativity. Note down three things you both are grateful for in the relationship at least once week. This will help you appreciate each other more and value your partner for all that they are and all that they aspire to be. Gratitude enables us to be a more compassionate and empathetic version of ourselves. 

Take some time away from the city 

Here’s your cue to take some time, perhaps just a weekend, once every few months, and go away from the city. Spend some much-needed downtime with your beau doing activities that you enjoy together such as cooking, painting, watching a movie, going for a nature walk, watching a sunset, or just about anything. Regular breaks make for a healthier and stronger relationship in the long run.