The holidays are over, and the new year is upon us. There is a lot of stress involved with the end of the year, but when January comes, and the number ticks up one, we can focus on other things. Resolutions are often challenging to obtain, but goals are not. You don’t have to do something for the whole year to grow, but you can try new things. When you’re married, you need to work on your relationship. If you and your spouse want to grow together, you should try these 10 new things this year, from marriage counseling to fun activities.

Travel

Have you ever been abroad? Travel is something that can bring people together. It can also show you how good you have it at home. Don’t take a vacation; take a trip. Go somewhere foreign and experience something. Going somewhere with your spouse can strengthen your relationship and show you something about yourself and your partner.

Rock Climbing

If you are looking for a new hobby and a recreational way to stay healthy, why not try rock climbing? Go to a rock-climbing gym and give it a shot. It’s a fun way to bond with your spouse, get some exercise, and have fun. Whether you are trying to get fit or want an activity the two of you can do together, rock climbing is a fun new thing to try.

Surfing

An extreme sport that is both fun and spiritual is surfing. If you and your spouse are looking for a way to bond, getting out into the ocean and learning how to surf can be a meaningful way to do it. With all the stress in life, heading out into the sea and riding waves can be a way for both of you to relax and enjoy.

Experiment in the Bedroom

With every coming year, you want to do your best to try new things in the bedroom. Do a check-in and see how it’s going. Is there anything you can do differently? Is there something you want to do with your spouse that you’ve never asked? It’s all about communication. Why not try something new in the new year and experiment in the bedroom?

Couples Therapy/ Marriage Counseling

Another way to strengthen your relationship is marriage counseling. Whether you’ve never been to couples therapy or want to give it another try, it can be a beneficial new thing to do this year. Even if you haven’t been struggling with your spouse, it can be a great way to strengthen your relationship. Going to marriage therapy doesn’t mean your marriage is failing. It can be a preventative measure that keeps the relationship alive.

Cook For Each Other

Depending on who cooks in the relationship, if either of you cooks, trying your hand in the kitchen is a great way to do something new. If your spouse always cooks, give it a shot. It would help if you tried to cook them food too. Or, if neither of you is good at cooking, you can learn together. Go on YouTube. Take a cooking class. Read a cooking magazine. It’s a fun activity that includes the two of you.

Couple’s Massage

When was the last time you got a massage? Have you ever done a couple’s massage? It is a great way to relax and strengthen your relationship. Not only will you be able to relax personally, but you will also be in that state together. You can deepen your bond in various states of mind. If life has been stressful, do something for yourselves and get a couple’s massage.

Have Friends Over for Game Night

If you aren’t used to having friends over, you aren’t living! One great way to invite people over that eliminates any awkwardness is to play games. You can also have a game night with just the two of you. Whether it’s a board game, charades, video games, chess, or a card game, a game night is both a way for you to welcome people as a couple and a fun activity to try this year.

Play a Sport

Is there a sport you and your spouse like? Why not play it together? You can strike up a co-ed game with your friends or play a lot of different sports one-on-one. A little healthy competition might spark your relationship. It’s also a great way to get active and become healthier.

Learn Music

Playing an instrument is much easier if someone else is doing it with you. You can encourage each other and play together. Do you and your spouse love music? Learning how to plan an instrument—the same or different—can strengthen your relationship and provide great joy.