Time spent together in nature can be the key to a stronger relationship.

It’s no secret that spending time outdoors is good for our mental and physical health – fresh air, green space and time away from the busyness of day-to-day life is bound to have a profound effect on our well-being. So imagine what being outside can do for our relationships (spoiler alert: it’s a really, really good thing for couples!)

More than just a scenic backdrop for fun, heart-pumping activities, being in nature provides the antidote to the fight-or-flight stress response that raises cortisol levels and gets in the way of healthy communication. Even doctors now prescribe outdoor time to patients as a way to relax and regulate the nervous system. The connection we share with nature can be extremely therapeutic, and these effects positively impact our romantic relationships by making us stop, breath deeply, relax our muscles and calmly process how we think and feel, as well as how we respond.

During the summer season, couples will certainly benefit from booking a romantic getaway with access to outdoor physical activities. Walking, hiking, biking, paddling and swimming requires collaboration from both parties; couples have to openly communicate and help each other out to get to where they’re going, especially in unfamiliar surroundings. Doing these kinds of outdoor activities together helps to cultivate healthy relationship habits; plus, they’re fun!

Strengthening romantic connection really can be as simple as making time to play and just have fun together. After all, connecting one-on-one is the best part. 😉