De-stressing as a couple begins with connection. Sure, this sounds silly…but it’s natural. According to the Huffington Post, unlike many other mammals, humans are made to bond -- our brains are wired for it. We were created to be together.
Give a Little Love
Best of all, bonding can reduce stress. Research supports this concept, showing that simple displays of affection like holding hands or hugging can lower both heart rate and blood pressure.
HuffPo points out that one great way to do this is to be affectionate. And this doesn’t just mean jumping into the sack. Support your mate with a simple smile or a pat on the hand. This reduces cortisol, which is a hormone associated with stress. It can even raise oxytocin levels, which are associated with a general sense of calm.
That said, bonding can be fun when it comes to sex, too. You can play “everything but,” where you fool around without having sex, just like you did when you were younger. Or you can give one and other relaxing back rubs that may lead to a little romp in the hay. You can even experiment with blindfolds. This builds trust and excitement all in one fell swoop.
If you’re not feeling kinky, simply bond by spending time together. If you’re feeling quiet, try outdoor activities like fishing, or go for a hike. No one said that bonding had to involve talking all the time. After all, sometimes we just don’t feel like talking.