Being married doesn’t guarantee quality time together.  However, to have a happy marriage, you must make spending time together a priority.

Taking a walk in the park is one of the easiest ways to spend time with your partner. It requires no advance planning whatsoever and is a lot more spontaneous than date night.  You do not need to make any reservations or find someone to watch the kids; just take them with you.

Walks are good for your marriage!

Walks are good for your marriage in so many ways; here are some of them.

Time alone

Taking a walk with your spouse gives you the opportunity to be alone together. It is a wonderful time to talk and connect with each other without distraction from the TV, phone or computer. It is also a great time to discuss new ideas for projects.

Stress reliever

Walking relieves stress and makes you feel calmer. It helps you to slow down and take an objective look at life and its challenges. Needless to say, you are more likely to discover solutions to your problems when you are in this frame of mind.

Stay fit together

Walking is a great way for married couples to stay fit together. Whether you are trying to shed those extra pounds or just maintain a healthy heart, there’s no better way to do it than with your partner by your side.

Know your neighborhood

No matter how long you have been living in your neighborhood, there are probably some things that you do not know about the area.  Take a walk around your neighborhood and you’ll be surprised what you find. It is a good way to discover new stores, coffee house and other businesses that just opened in your area.

Meet the neighbors

While most of us know our immediate neighbors, we rarely go beyond that. Taking a walk in the park allows you to meet and make friends with other couples and dog owners in your area.

Tips for romantic walks

• When walking with your partner, leave your headphones at home and use that opportunity to talk to each another. Also, if you choose to bring your phone, don’t use it unless it’s absolutely necessary.
• Find a pace that you are both comfortable with. Don’t walk too fast so that your partner is struggling to keep up or too slowly. You may vary the speed throughout the walk depending on your preference.
• If you like the walks make them a regular thing in your family. Pick a day and time when most of you are likely to be available and schedule walks for the whole family. It could become your own little tradition.

The holiday season is a great time to get started on your walks to the park. There is a lot to see especially with all the Christmas lights and decorations and also a wonderful time to get some much needed exercise.  You and your spouse might even get some wonderful ideas on how to decorate your home. Don’t let the lack of quality time ruin your chances of a happy marriage.