By Bernard Freeman
Share a Hobby
There is no shame in enjoying different activities than your spouse. However, when you find a hobby to share, a door opens that can strengthen a relationship and invite a more profound connection by learning new interests together.
Remember to keep an open mind when discovering a new passion. One of you may need to compromise to find an activity to enjoy together.
Don’t be surprised if a new hobby as a couple doesn’t make sense right away. Compile a list of the things you like to do separately and try to find common ground with a few different things.
For instance, if being physically fit is a goal, consider accompanying one another on nature hikes or trips to the gym. Having a companion who can hold you accountable for your fitness goals can be a huge benefit that keeps you on track.
Once you have a few listed activities, narrow them down by considering which would be easily accomplished in your area, making sense to your budget. Here are a few hobbies to consider taking on as a team and building a stronger bond.
Volunteering
Find a cause you’re passionate about and donate your time to propel the movement further. According to the organization Project Helping, volunteering is a productive activity that spikes endorphins in the brain like oxytocin, to help people better manage stress. The shared experience of benefiting a worthy charity causes couples to build a better companionship while improving their community.
Learn a Sport
There are numerous sports to take on as a couple. Games like golf, tennis or bowling all offer positive mental and physical benefits while providing different paces for participants. Spend your free time competing and pushing each other to become fluent in the sport. Once you feel confident in your abilities, consider recruiting other couples to play against or join a tournament with others in the community.
Enjoy the Arts
Take a different approach to date night by skipping the meal and drinks for a wholesome painting or drawing class in your area. You can likely find varying degrees of difficulty from beginner to expert as your skills advance. Couples should keep the artwork they create to look back on fond memories of a unique way to bond.
Host an Event
Spending time with friends and family is a beneficial way to improve your relationships.
While attending the events of others can provide satisfaction, hosting your own get together can give you a sense of satisfaction and boost your confidence. However, organizing a large occasion can take a significant amount of time, so give yourself plenty of opportunity for planning.
When adding this task to your list of New Year’s resolutions, consider if it’s a process you can tackle yourself or if recruiting help from another is necessary. In addition to finding a reason to celebrate, you must decide on a venue, catering menu and a list of guests. Begin your year by building a list of ideas for fun events to call your own. It may become an annual tradition that those in your life look forward to attending.
Family Reunion
When planning a family reunion, be considerate about the travel plans for relatives. Rather than beginning your event with a set date, create a list of potential days and allow family members to vote for the ideal time. Once you have a save the date in place, you should decide on the location, food and activities. If this is your first time planning a large-scale event, consider hiring a professional planner to help show you the ropes.
Super Bowl Party
Watching the big game is only half the fun surrounding Super Bowl Sunday. Rather than joining in on the fun and driving home after the game, plan to host the event at your place. If your entertainment room lacks space or innovative devices, make a New Year’s resolution to update the technology or renovate the area.
While some renovations may be sizable investments, keep in mind that you can use the room year-round for various gatherings and everyday family fun.
When arranging the Super Bowl party, don’t forget to prepare a menu in advance. Fill it with easy-to-eat finger foods, delicious dips and football-themed snacks. Invite your guests to bring along their favorite dishes to offer a diverse smorgasbord.
Find a New Love in Reading
For many, a New Year’s resolution to read more books falters as the hustle of daily life gets in the way. However, there are strategies to help.
One of the most important tactics is to schedule the time you have for reading. Think about when your day slows to create a window to read. For instance, is your home quieter in the evening when the kids are winding down, or can you find more free time early in the morning before your housemates’ days begin? Consider how much time you spend watching television and try to replace screen time by diving into a great book.
Eliminate Distractions
E-readers and smartphones make compiling good reads in one compact package simple. However, reading from your phone can introduce distractions like text messages or social media notifications. Once these intrusions make their way onto your device, it can be easy to push aside the book to respond or scroll through your news feed.
You can eliminate electronic interruptions by committing to buying physical copies of your favorite novels and put the phone in silent mode. If you worry that hard-copy books may be more expensive than their digital counterparts, consider signing up for a membership at a local library or looking for bargains at a bookstore.
Mix It Up
Avoid becoming bored with reading by choosing stories from a variety of genres. Rather than sticking to the same books or authors, explore the shelves to find a great adventure from a different perspective. As you navigate your store’s shelves, look for novels geared toward a diverse audience, or ask the store clerk for their recommendation of famous writers.
You can quickly research upcoming books on review-based websites or find lists of highly anticipated inclusions from a variety of authors. Try to include various genres like self-help books, mystery, nonfiction and science fiction to entice your mind and potentially find a new passion for reading.
Join a Book Club
Find a network of bookworms in your area by seeking a club to discuss different stories. Most groups will designate the reading material and meet to discuss its themes, ideas and impressions that were gained. It’s an efficient way to stay on track for New Year’s resolutions that are dedicated to getting back to the books.
