Around 64 percent of Americans say they are happy in their relationships. That’s good, but it’s not great.
You need to be happy as an individual to also be happy in a marriage. And in theory, it should be easier to find true happiness for married couples. They each have someone to support them no matter what and help them through rough patches.
But a lot of the time, people see marriage as the “end goal” and they stop trying in their relationship and stop growing as a person.
If this rings true with you, then don’t worry. There are plenty of exciting activities for couples so you can reignite that spark in yourself and your marriage.
Here are some ideas to get you started on your journey to happiness with your spouse in the passenger seat!
1. Exercise Together
Want to improve your quality of life and improve your daily habits together? Combining or creating an exercise routine together could be the key to happiness as well as better health and so much more.
Don’t worry if one of you is more fit than the other. Studies show that people are 24 percent more motivated when exercising with spouses or friends who are fitter than them.
Buy gym memberships or build a home gym so you can work out whenever you want. You could sign up for yoga or spin classes together and make a commitment to each other at the same time.
Or, you could even the playing field and take up a brand new sport that neither of you knows how to play. Enroll in a 10k race or a marathon so you can train together.
2. Surprise Each Other
Can you remember the last time you went out with your spouse? Are you in desperate need of some exciting date night ideas to get you out of your rut?
Planning surprises is one of the keys to happiness for married couples. It lets your spouse know you still love them, still find them attractive, and still want to spend quality time with them.
Here are some exciting date night ideas you could try:
- Cook a fancy picnic and eat it in a park
- Go wine tasting or on a craft beer tour
- Try a fancy new restaurant and buy your spouse an outfit
- Sing a duet at a karaoke bar
- Go dancing or sign up for salsa lessons
- Go to an arcade and play video games
Don’t tell your spouse your plans beforehand as they may want to help plan or contribute. And the point of a date night is to spoil your spouse and make them feel special. Instead, leave them mysterious clues in the three days leading up to the date to get them excited.
3. Try Something New Together
Pursuing a new hobby is a great way to improve your mental health. But it can be daunting and frustrating in the beginning stages. Trying something new with a partner is the perfect way to bond while supporting each other.
Make things exciting by trying seven new things every day for one week. Here are some common couple hobbies to consider:
- Cycling
- Paddleboarding or kayaking
- Rock climbing
- Baking, cooking, or mixology
- Start learning a new language
- Stargazing
- Camping
There’s nothing better for improving happiness in marriage than laughing as you fall over trying to rollerskate.
4. Learn How To Grow With Each Other
It is common in marriages for a spouse (or both) to not have the tools or knowledge to find true happiness. While the other spouse might be able to help a little, sometimes seeking professional guidance is the best course of action.
You could see a family therapist to tackle your issues or take a happiness course. It’s important to brave the unknown together so you can both benefit as a couple.
5. Spice Things Up in the Bedroom
You cannot talk about the best activities to improve happiness for married couples without talking about sex. It’s a fun, stress-relieving, intimate act that helps you stay connected as a couple.
Plus, it’s a lot cheaper than buying kayaks.
There are tons of ways to make things more exciting in the bedroom and the best options depend on what you or your spouse likes. So, why don’t you ask each other about their fantasies and kinks? You could try role play, different positions, or send each other flirty messages when you are apart.
6. Spend Cozy, Rainy Days Together
Some of the best activities to do with your spouse to make your marriage happier are very easy to do.
It’s all about setting the intention.
Next time you are both stuck inside on a weekend when the weather is awful, put down the DIY tools and do something as a couple. Download your favorite funny movies, put the popcorn in the microwave, and spend the day laughing together.
Or, you could both grab your favorite books and cuddle up while drinking hot cocoa. Prolonged embraces release oxytocin which is the bonding hormone.
7. Tackle the Hard Things Together
It may sound counterintuitive, but sharing the hard moments with your spouse is a sure way to have a better, happier marriage.
If one of you has a sick, elderly parent, make sure you join your spouse on every visit and take half of the task load. Or if the garage is a mess, work together to clean it up.
Even something as mundane as cleaning the bathroom together could help you bond. It will remind you that you have a spouse that has your back no matter what. There aren’t many better ways to feel happier than that.
There Are Infinite Ways To Boost Happiness for Married Couples
There are so many routes to happiness for married couples. Only you and your spouse know what you are both passionate about and what sets your souls on fire.
As long as you keep injecting some excitement into your married life now and again, you’ll enjoy a long and happy marriage.
Do you want to improve your quality of life both with your spouse and as an individual? Whatever your interests – fitness, food, or travel – our site has tons of other guides to help!