Quality time for quality wellbeing

This month, we’re focusing on the importance of quality time for quality mental health. Whether it’s spending time with your partner, friends, or loved ones, building and strengthening relationships can have a positive impact on your mental well-being.

May is a month with a lot of magic in the air – it’s traditionally associated with growth, prosperity, vitality, and hope. But since 1949, May has also been recognized as Mental Health Month, adding a new layer to spreading positivity, working on yourself, and cherishing the people around you. Mental health is crucial to living a fulfilling life because it affects everything from our moods to our thoughts to our overall well-being.

And speaking of well-being, one of the best things you can do for your mental health is to nurture your relationships – especially with your significant other. So why not take advantage of this special month and plan some unforgettable moments together? Whether you’re into romantic dinners, adventurous hikes, or just snuggling up on the couch, there are tons of ways to create meaningful experiences with the one you love and improve your and your partner’s mental health in the process.

Positive effects of a healthy romantic relationship

As social creatures, we have a natural urge to connect with others, and these social bonds are a fundamental part of the human experience. And when it comes to romantic relationships, they play a particularly vital role in our mental and emotional wellbeing. Research has shown time and time again that strong romantic partnerships have an incredible impact on our lives. For starters, they can help us feel less stressed, more purposeful, and even boost our ability to cope with life’s challenges. But the benefits don’t stop there! A healthy romantic relationship can also help us develop crucial life skills, like communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving. Plus, it can combat feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and depression.

However, it’s no secret that good relationships are hard work. But hey, everything worth having is worth the effort, right? To help keep the quality spark between you and your loved ones, we’ve gathered a couple of interesting ideas to spend quality time together that go beyond movie nights or dining out date. Try them out, quality time is guaranteed!

Try a new hobby together

By sharing hobbies, you are sharing experiences and creating memories. Both of you can write three hobbies you’d like try on pieces of paper, put all of them in a jar and pick a winner. Be creative in your choices and think of hobbies you never thought you’d try to push you out of your comfort zone. You can opt for pottery class or feeding alpacas.

Go on a road trip

Destination? Unkown. Just get inside your car on your day off and go with the flow (or better said, the road). You can make the path even more interesting and each time you come at a crossroad, one of you has to decide whether to go left or right. Not only will you probably land somewhere you’d never been before, but you’ll also see that the road is just like your relationship – you both sometimes don’t know where you’re going, but all it matters is that you are going there together.

Attend a dance class

Taking a dance class together can be a really fun and romantic way to spend time with your partner. Whether you’re learning a new style of dance or perfecting your moves, it’s a great way to get close and enjoy each other’s company. Plus, dancing is a physical activity that releases happy chemicals and boosts your mood, so you’ll both feel happier and more energized after your class. You don’t have to be a perfect dancer to enjoy a dance class either – it’s all about having fun and connecting with your partner through movement and enjoying the little goofy moments when you’re not in sync.

Make a time capsule

Reserve an evening for some sentimental quality time. Fill a box with things you cherish about each other most. Your favorite photos of each other, the postcard you sent when you were first apart, the movie ticket from your first date, your wedding vows. Pick a time when you’ll open the capsule again, for example in 5 or 10 years.

Go to a comedy show

Laughter is a powerful tool for building connections and creating positive memories, and seeing a live comedy show can be a really special experience. You’ll get to share in the excitement and energy of the crowd and you might even discover a new favorite comedian together. Plus, when you laugh together, you’ll both feel more relaxed and at ease, which can make for a really enjoyable date night. Whether you prefer stand-up comedy, sketch comedy, or improv, there’s sure to be a show out there that will tickle your funny bone and make you both smile.

Volunteer together

There are countless organizations and causes out there that could use your help, so it’s easy to find something that aligns with your interests and values. Whether you want to volunteer at a local food bank, animal shelter, or community center, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved and make a difference.
Volunteering with your loved ones can also help you strengthen your relationship and deepen your connection, because working together towards a common goal can be a powerful bonding experience. Plus, when you volunteer together, you get to see each other in a new light and learn more about each other’s passions and perspectives.

Have a cook-off

Who says quality time means dining at your favorite restaurant? Pick a theme, for example “Foods that start with the letter P” or “Morocco” or “3-ingredient dessert” and challenge each other to a cook-off.
With a little creativity, time together will turn into fun (and funny) experience that will strengthen your connection and make your overall mental health better. So, go ahead and try something new. Who knows, it might become your new favorite tradition!