8 ways to spend time with loved ones and de-stress your life

Spending time and having fun with others is a great way to de-stress your life. Here are some creative ways to keep your time with your loved ones fun and exciting.

What better time for a hand-in-hand stroll with your honey? Observe the details around your neighbourhood that you never see. Bonus: the health benefits of your walk.

• Keep the television off and make those brain cells work harder.
• Try backgammon, dominoes, checkers or chess. Crossword puzzles are great, as are number and logic puzzles.

• Start kissing the back of their neck. This should lead to something more.
• In addition to the obvious joy of sex, you'll also be raising your heart rate, sending immune-boosting endorphins to your brain and extending your life.

Having your hair washed and your scalp massaged is an unexpected luxury that will also wash away the stress of the day.

• Slip some high-energy music into the player. You'll burn as many calories jogging.
• An added bonus if you do a lot of dips — some good stretching. It's also a great way to engage kids in physical activity and let yourself go.

• Find an old sock and get your dog to try to pull it out of your hand.
• Teach your cat to "fetch" by tossing a crumpled piece of paper.
• Hide treats around the house and watch your dog or cat go on a treasure hunt. Don't have a pet? Get one!

• Go one better than a journal: Compose a letter to a friend, write some e-mails to your MP or write a short story.
• Writing is wonderful brain activity, and who doesn't benefit from learning how to better express themselves?

• The idea is to savour this one glass.
• If you choose a red, it will provide heart-healthy antioxidants, shown to reduce your risk of heart disease. It's even better if you share it with a friend.