Romancing your partner for the good of your health
Some people show their love by whipping out their credit cards for flowers, chocolates, wine, maybe a reservation at a sinfully expensive restaurant. We think the point has been somewhat missed. Doesn’t matter if you’re the little spoon, big spoon or the jetpack, going to bed early to snuggle might be the best thing you can do for your health. And your partner’s health too!
Just a snuggle, you scoff?
Physical affection is so powerful that researchers say even couples who struggle with health issues, financial instability and parenting styles, report being intensely in love if they’re regularly intimate with each other. Oxytocin, the cuddle hormone, can take credit for that little bit of magic, not a credit card or a bouquet of roses. The more we touch, hug, snuggle and kiss our partners, the more connected we’ll feel and the happier we’ll be.
Do you really need another reason to go to bed early?
Just in case you answered yes to that question, we’ve put together a list of things you can do together in the bedroom – and they don’t cost a fortune. And while they’re all G-rated, we believe you’ll want to lock the bedroom door.
1. Start in the morning
Who says romancing only begins after work and when the kids are in bed? Begin the day with simple, sweet texts that remind your partner how much you love him or her. But don’t stop there. Buy a stack of post-it notes and stick them in random places throughout your home – or create a trail to the bedroom…
2. Create an adult’s only spa
Unlike most nights, the goal of your bedroom tonight isn’t to sleep – yet. Transform your sleep space into a soothing spa sanctuary by filling it with succulent scents and luxurious sheets and pillows. Place candles around the room (but be mindful of safety) and turn out the lights. You can manage the rest on your own, we’re sure…
3. Crack open the bubbly
Drinking too much alcohol before bed isn’t a good idea because of how it interferes with sleep. But a treat once in a while is allowed, right? We recommend setting your limit before you open the bottle – and taking your last slip at least an hour before you tuck in for the night. Use your imagination to figure out what to do between sips.
4. Make a picnic
Lay a soft blanket on the floor and spread out a feast of your partner’s favorite foods. Ramp up the ambiance with tiny white Christmas lights draped across the window. Don’t worry that it’s not perfect – the kitschy feel will add to the fun.
5. Talk it out
Skip the small talk and enjoy an evening of sharing your hopes, fears and dreams. Some of your conversations might venture into tricky (maybe even emotional) territory, but just go with it. A 2010 study published in the journal Psychological Science reported that happy couples have twice as many deep and substantive conversations than unhappy couples. Turns out, getting up close and personal with your partner’s brain can be a turn on.
6. Trade massages
We all live life at an incredibly fast pace, checking emails up to the minute we turn out the light. Doesn’t sharing back rubs sound like a delicious way to spend the evening? What’s even better is that you don’t have to be particularly good at giving a massage. All you need is some scented massage oil, towels to cover the sheets and a willingness to learn what your partner likes. The point here is to touch – a great massage is a bonus.
7. Fool around
When’s the last time you and your partner tickled out your troubles? A good old fashioned tickle fight that doesn’t end until someone calls uncle? Made a fort out of the sheets? Just because you’re grown up doesn’t mean you giving into boring, right? Lock the door and commit to finding your partner’s most ticklish spot – along with all the other ones that cause uncontrollable giggling. We dare ya!
8. Watch a movie together
After the champagne, massages and tickle fights, you’ll be ready for some down-time, nestled safely in each other’s arms. Whether it’s a sappy romantic movie, a paranormal movie-thon or a scare-fest that makes her snuggle closer, it’s time to climb into your bed and just relax. But we’d be remiss if we didn’t warn you – some foods don’t belong in bed. Fondue, for example. An open flame + dripping oil = fon-don’t!
9. Lights out
At the end of the day, it’s night – and that means time for sleep. Turn the lights out, pull up the covers and snuggle in for the best sleep of your life. You’ve earned it!
10. Plan for tomorrow night
Now that you’ve learned how much fun it can be to celebrate sleeping in your partner’s arms in bed, it’s time to take a closer look at your mattress. Is your mattress still a haven of comfort and serenity or is it time to consider replacing it? Shopping for a mattress is hard work – it’s not easy finding the one that’s right for you.
What’s the true cost of a good mattress? If you spent $2,000 on a new mattress and slept comfortably on that mattress for 7 years, the cost of healthy sleep would be $1.27 per night – less than the cost of Starbucks coffee in the morning…
