Doing something together physically can rejuvenate you and your relationship. Dr. Willard F. Harley, Jr. believes that we all have significant emotional needs and names “recreation company” as one of the top ten needs, especially for men.

BOOK ANYWHERE FROM 30 MINUTES TO FOUR HOURS FOR A RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY, PREFERABLY SOMETHING YOU CAN DO TOGETHER THAT INVOLVES PHYSICAL EFFORT, WITHOUT YOUNG CHILDREN OR OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS.

It can be gentle or harsh and should be something you participate in rather than being a spectator. It’s okay to be part of a group or do something with another couple, but it shouldn’t include family members because this is a time just for the two of you, in addition to your role as mother and father.

Before selecting an activity, be sure to identify mutual interests. I want an enthusiastic agreement, not a begrudging attitude on the part of one of the partners. If a classmate prefers an activity, they can reciprocate the next week. Mainly, the two of you should be interested in the chosen recreational activity.

If you have physical limitations, you can play a board game, do crafts, prepare a meal, or do something else from a sitting position. Depending on your limitations, you could stroll through a museum or art gallery or attend a professional sporting event, even though you would be a spectator.

Here are some activities to consider: walking, jogging, walking, exercising, doing anything that makes you sweat. You may enjoy gardening or working in the garden, although try to avoid housework and make sure you focus on fun and enjoyable activities. Volunteer in your community. How about trying disc golf, miniature golf, hitting a bucket of golf balls at a driving range, bowling, or laser tag? Go out dancing or take a gym class together.

If you have children, think about the things they do for fun. I don’t think you’d want to jump on a pogo stick, skateboard, or skateboard, but how about trying backyard games like croquet, bocci ball, or a game of ring toss? Darts, archery, tennis, table tennis? For more adventure, try rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, or go on a whitewater rafting adventure. You may need to plan ahead to make arrangements, depending on what you have in mind.

Be a tourist in your own city or consider something local, free, convenient and low cost. If you like to ride a bike, find a place that rents bikes and take a bike ride. Take a walk through a local park and enjoy a picnic lunch. Build a snowman. Fly a kite.

Whatever you decide, find a fun way to pass the time. Don’t we all need more fun in our lives?

Recreational activities offer a high return on your investment. The time you spend together results in a greater friendship and emotional connection. You may also feel a sense of teamwork, depending on what you do. Recreational companionship is so important that I include this exercise a total of three times, or once a week during this program. If you find that you need to swap out some of the daily exercises to fit a particular day, feel free to do so. Many of the other activities can be done in less than twenty minutes, but for a recreational outing, you’ll probably need more time. I hope you take many times in your married life to incorporate recreational activities if you are not already doing so.

“Happiness is not an accident. It’s not something you wish for either. Happiness is something you design…Happiness is not something you put off for the future; it’s something you design for the present.” -Jim Rohn