1. Go Birdwatching

Press pause on the chaos of daily life by scheduling a weekly birdwatching date with your partner. Sure, it might sound like something that your dad would do but hear us out: Birds are beautiful, melodious and, unless you make a point to slow down enough to look and listen, often taken for granted. The time spent in nature will be a breath of fresh air for both parties, as will the sense of serenity this hobby brings—because even in the company of your mate, successful sightings can only occur when there’s peace and quiet.

13. Start a Book Club for Two

Turn your quiet ‘alone time’ into an opportunity for bonding by picking books that both you and your partner are interested in reading. Plow through each read at the same rate and come together for a rousing discussion of the material that promises to foster positive communication and renewed interest in each other’s feelings and ideas. May we suggest one of these riveting books?

14. Follow a Podcast

If you have not yet hopped on the podcast bandwagon, it’s high time you do so. This relatively new medium is a much-needed alternative to video, which requires far less focus as the visual stimulation is often so overwhelming that viewers are more likely to disengage. By all means, enjoy a standing movie night online with your spouse—just try to tune into a regular podcast together, too. They are cheap, often free, and the plethora of options deliver entertainment and education on topics of mutual interest. Simply listen with a loved one and when the programming is over, let the dialogue begin.

15. Visit a Virtual Museum

Here’s another hobby you can do in-person or virtually. Spark conversation and learn something new by taking regular trips to a virtual museum with your spouse. Museums are excellent sources of informal education that offer couples an opportunity to explore their interests together (and gain new ones, as well) and virtual visits allow you to experience museums all around the world.

16. Learn a New Language

It doesn’t matter how many years of school you have under your belt, the process of learning a new language will always make you feel like you’re starting from scratch, which is why it is so thrilling. As previously mentioned, when couples engage in arousing and novel experiences together (like fumbling and butchering foreign phrases), the relationship benefits are big. Plus, if you keep at it, you’ll both be proficient in time for your next vacation—and it will be lots of fun to strut your newfound skills together, too.

17. Get into Crossword Puzzles

Crossword puzzles are the bee’s knees—a mind-sharpening challenge that strikes the ideal balance between leisure and entertainment. (In other words, this hobby isn’t even a tall order at the end of a long day.) Start working on crosswords as a team for a brain-boosting, bonding experience that promises to keep couples engaged with each other.

18. Learn a New Instrument

We’ve covered this territory, but it bears repeating: Learning something new with another person is a proven way to strengthen a romantic bond. Any hobby that combines novelty, education and shared experience is a winner, so it’s no wonder that learning a new instrument with your partner makes the list.

19. Volunteer

Volunteering is not only a good thing to do in the altruistic sense, research has also shown that it can improve your mental and physical health, life satisfaction and social well-being. Grab your partner and pick up a hobby that supports the common good—your relationship might just get a boost to boot.

20. Play Chess

When it comes to brain-sharpening benefits, chess is hard to beat. Make it a ritual to play this game with your partner for some quality time that demands complete, undivided attention from both parties while providing plenty of mental stimulation too.

Once you’re past the honeymoon period—and especially if you’re living together—things can get a bit stale. That’s not to say that routine is the enemy of romance. In fact, shared routines that both parties enjoy (i.e., hobbies) are an excellent way to reconnect with your SO and spend quality time together. When choosing a hobby, look for something that genuinely excites you both. In other words, if your SO groans when you first suggest a book club, then don’t force the issue. If both parties adopt a new hobby with enthusiasm, the reward will be great.

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