Valentine’s Day is more than chocolates and roses – it’s a perfect opportunity to invest in long‑term wellbeing, both as individuals and as a couple. In the UK, national wellbeing has stagnated in recent years, with nearly 7 million adults (13%) now living below the “Happiness Poverty Line” according to the 2025 UK Wellbeing Report, highlighting just how important our daily habits and relationships are for mental and emotional health. [1]
Strengthening your connection doesn’t require grand gestures – small, healthy habits can make a big difference to how supported, energised, and connected you feel. Here’s some simple, research‑backed ways to boost wellbeing and deepen your bond this Valentine’s.
1. Move Your Bodies – Together
Regular physical activity is well known to boost mood, reduce stress, and support heart health and doing it with a partner can increase motivation and enjoyment.
In England, only 59% of women and 70% of men meet the recommended aerobic activity guidelines, meaning many couples could benefit from adding just a little more movement into their routine.[2]
Try:
- A brisk morning walk
- A weekend hike or local nature trail
- A YouTube yoga session together
- Couples’ swimming or a dance class
Even 20 minutes counts. What matters most is doing it together.
2. Cook Nutritious Meals as a Team
Preparing and sharing healthy meals can be a relaxing, collaborative way to unwind. It’s also an easy win for improving physical health, particularly in a country where 64% of adults are overweight or obese, according to the Health Foundation’s analysis. [3]
Cooking as a team strengthens communication and creates shared satisfaction. If you need inspiration, try Vavista’s delicious, health‑boosting Valentine’s recipe ideas.
Make it fun by:
- Trying one new recipe a week
- Creating themed nights (Mediterranean, plant‑based, seasonal produce)
- Cooking while listening to your favourite shared playlist, or this one from Vavista.
3. Prioritise Emotional Check‑Ins
Healthy relationships thrive on communication, but busy schedules and screens often get in the way. Emotional connection has a direct impact on mental health: research shows that high‑quality relationships are linked with lower stress and less depression, while negative interactions increase the risk of anxiety and depressive symptoms.[4]
A daily or weekly check‑in doesn’t need to be heavy, just intentional.
Try questions like:
- What went well for you today?
- Is anything weighing on your mind?
- How can I support you this week?
- What’s one thing you’re looking forward to?
Want a little help getting conversations flowing?
Here are some widely‑loved conversation card decks for couples:
- “We’re Not Really Strangers – Couples Edition”
- “The School of Life – Couples Edition Cards”
- “52 Weeks of Talk” Relationship Cards”
- “Vertellis Relationship Edition”
These offer gentle prompts designed to deepen connection, spark meaningful conversations, and help you see each other in new ways.
4. Create Screen‑Free Zones
Digital overload is a growing issue in UK households. A 2024 study found that 62% of Britons regret the amount of time they spend on screens [5], with young adults feeling it most strongly. Additionally, many couples report emotional disconnection due to what researchers call “phubbing” – phone‑snubbing your partner – which is linked to lower relationship satisfaction and increased conflict.
Creating intentional digital boundaries helps couples be more present.
Try:
- No phones at dinner
- A tech‑free hour before bed
- “Do Not Disturb” mode during date nights
- A weekend morning without screens
For more tips, Vavista has a great guide – 10 Easy Ways to Do a Digital Detox
5. Practice Gratitude for Each Other
Expressing appreciation builds connection, improves emotional resilience, and helps couples feel valued. With wellbeing challenges on the rise, mental health issues now affect one in five adults in England – nurturing positive moments in relationships matters more than ever. [6]
Try:
- Sharing one thing you appreciate about each other each day – “I really appreciated how you made me a cup of tea last night, it made my evening feel so much calmer.”
- Leaving small gratitude notes – “Thank you for being someone I can always talk to, it means more than you know.”
- Monthly “relationship highlights” reflections
Gratitude strengthens positivity and positivity strengthens your bond.
6. Support Each Other’s Goals
Couples who support one another’s personal goals show stronger emotional connection and greater long‑term resilience. Whether it’s fitness, career progress, stress management, or learning a new skill, cheering each other on creates deeper trust and partnership.
Try:
- Setting one shared wellbeing goal for February
- Encouraging each other with weekly check‑ins
- Celebrating milestones with small rewards
Shared growth = shared happiness.
7. Build Rest Into Your Relationship
Rest isn’t indulgent, it’s essential. With mental wellbeing declining in recent years and the cost of mental ill health in England estimated at £300 billion annually, incorporating intentional downtime is vital for stress reduction and emotional balance. [6]
Restful rituals to try:
- An early‑night routine once a week
- An at‑home spa evening
- Reading together (phones away)
- A short meditation or breathing session
Rest helps you show up better, for yourself and each other.
Healthy habits don’t need to be complicated. Small, intentional actions can boost your wellbeing and bring you closer as a couple, not just on Valentine’s Day, but throughout the year.
Whether you’re cooking a nutritious meal, going for a walk, switching off your phones, or simply checking in with each other, prioritising your wellbeing together is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give.
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