Here are five small ways to burn baby weight with even the busiest schedule:

1. Follow the 15-minute rule

As horrible as it sounds, losing weight means you have to watch what you eat. But you can easily beat cravings with a 15-minute rule. When you're craving something unhealthy, check the clock, distract yourself and wait 15 minutes.

Fitness expert Jennifer Cohen suggests taking a short walk to get your mind off the craving. If your post-baby body isn't ready to move, pick up a book, ask your husband about his day or hold your sweet baby. If you've already forgotten about the snack after 15 minutes, you've successfully beaten your craving.

2. Squeeze in an afternoon nap

Don't sacrifice sleep for exercise during those first few weeks, experts suggest. Newborns throw off your normal sleep schedule, and nutrition expert Sheah Rarback says this can slow down your metabolism. So ditch the housework and workout routine while you get some much-needed rest.

3. Take the stairs

Most women's bodies aren't ready for exercise until six weeks after giving birth (and even longer if they've had a Cesarean section), says postpartum-fitness expert Renee Jeffreys. She suggests taking a brief walk around the block or spending 15 minutes walking up and down steps. Even a short workout like that burns 150 calories.

After your six-week checkup, she says you can start doing 20 to 30-minute workouts a few times a week. Talk to your doctor about a healthy exercise pace for your body.

4. Drink plenty of water

Drink at least one to two liters of water a day to help you stay hydrated and lose baby weight, suggests nutrition expert Elise Mandl. It's especially important for women who are breastfeeding to stay hydrated to replace the fluids lost during feeding times. Water not only keeps you healthy, but also fills your appetite, making you less likely to reach for a midday snack.

5. Swap out sugary snacks for healthier ones

A big part of losing weight is dieting. Sugary snacks include tons of empty calories and don't even fill you up, only to leave you reaching for another snack a few hours later. But just because sugar is on the label doesn't mean you have to avoid it. In fact, apples contain 19 grams of sugar.

Good news: You don't have to give up your beloved snack time! Swap out high sugary snacks for healthier alternatives. Satisfy your cravings with some fresh fruit or a bowl of yogurt.

Remember that losing baby weight will take time. One study by the World Health Organization found that women lost an average of 10.4 pounds between two weeks and two years after giving birth. Don't feel bad if you aren't shedding pounds immediately. Go at your own pace. And ultimately, remember that your sweet baby is worth every bit of it.

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Here are 30 little things to be grateful for when everything else is falling apart:

1. The bit of alone time you get while your kids are napping

2. The fresh feeling right after stepping out of the shower

3. A compliment from a stranger

4. Handwritten letters (because they're rare and sweet)

5. Your hard-working spouse

6. Doggy kisses

7. A phone call from mom

8. Lazy Saturday mornings

9. Chunky sweaters

10. The feeling of relief after the dishes are done

11. The fast food you picked up after a long day at work

12. Sleeping babies (they're adorable and quiet - it's the best of both worlds)

13. Getting the last slice of pizza

14. Curling up with a good book

15. Chocolate chip cookies fresh out of the oven

16. Making the train right before the doors close

17. Adorable cat videos

18. When your Pandora station is on point

19. Hearing the rain on your roof

20. The first sip of a cold glass of water

21. Sunlight shining through your kitchen window

22. Good hair days

23. Winning a game

24. A new dress

25. Stretching before crawling out of bed

26. Your child's laughter

27. A productive day at work

28. A good education

29. A text from your best friend

30. A new day to start over

Try to find at least one thing each day to be grateful for, no matter how small. Your entire perspective could change by focusing on even one positive thing. And even though it won't make the bad experiences go away, it can give you the strength to push forward.

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Five things to do when your marriage is suffering

1. Ask yourself if there's 10 percent of your marriage worth saving

Before confronting your spouse, ask yourself if there's even a small part of your marriage worth saving.

"If couples I see are focused on even a small core of positivity, it's a foundation for rebuilding their relationship," says psychologist Samantha Rodman. "It gives them a springboard to work on repairing the connection."

If there's still something positive between you, don't rush into divorce quite yet. Visit a therapist if needed so you can start to rebuild your relationship.

2. Figure out your spouse's unmet needs

One of the most common struggles for married couples is unmet needs. Ask your spouse what he or she needs most, truly listen and then work together to meet those needs.

Don't get defensive when asking about your spouse's needs. Maybe he or she asked you to listen more and you feel like you're a great listener. But the point is that your spouse feels their thoughts aren't being heard. Getting defensive will only strike an argument. Instead, discuss what your spouse needs and why he or she feels those needs aren't being met.

3. Touch your spouse

This is probably the last thing you want to do when your marriage is rocky but it can make a huge positive impact.

"Yes, when your relationship is in trouble, showing affection feels forced and robotic," says marriage therapist Aaron Anderson. "But if it felt natural, you'd be doing it already. Your relationship thrives on affection and love and you want to get to a point where it starts feeling more natural."

Embrace your spouse in a hug after work or hold their hand while watching television. Even if it feels forced at first, your spouse will appreciate the gesture.

4. Ask other couples how they build a strong marriage

Ask those you trust how they built their strong marriage. Expert tips aren't the only ones that matter; you can also gather great advice from couples you look up to. Marriage expert Mitch Temple reminds people that even the most successful marriages didn't develop overnight. In fact, he says they likely experienced the same problems as you.

"One reason their marriages are strong today is that they were committed to the idea that no matter what obstacles they faced, they would learn to manage their problems and overcome crisis on an ongoing basis," Temple says.

Remember that loving your spouse and building your marriage isn't just a one-and-done type of thing. Continually make your marriage stronger each day.

5. Concentrate on what you can do for your marriage

You can't control your spouse's actions, but you can control your own. Anderson says letting his or her actions irritate you will only cause unnecessary grief.

"By the time couples come to see me, each one has a laundry list of things that they wish their partner would stop doing, says Anderson. "Instead, focus only on the things you can control and leave it up to your partner to fix the things that they control. You'll soon find yourself being more relaxed, having better moods, and as a result, your relationship usually starts getting better too."

Five things not to do when your marriage is suffering

1. Complain to your mom

Complaining to others about your spouse changes the way they see him or her. Complaining to your parents about your spouse, for example, could set you up for ongoing bad feelings, says psychotherapist Lisa Kift. It might make you feel great in the moment to get some frustrations off your chest, but it will only hurt your relationship in the long run.

Instead, psychologist and relationship coach Jessica Higgins suggests remembering your spouse's positive qualities. Both experts recommend thinking of three things you love about your spouse when a complaint comes to mind. This can help you create a positive mindset before calmly addressing your problems - without complaining.

2. Bring up resolved conflicts

Leave the past in the past if it's already been resolved. There's no need to rehash what you've already discussed over and over. If you're still holding on to past issues, it's a sign those problems are still affecting you today. Talk to a counselor for help overcoming those problems together.

3. Dismiss your spouse's concerns

Never dismiss your spouse's concerns, no matter how small. If your husband or wife brings up an issue, it clearly means enough to them to mention it. Listen to your sweetheart's concerns and come up with ideas together on how to solve them.

4. Compare your spouse to someone else

You must absolutely avoid comparing your spouse to anyone. Never say, "I wish you were more like Bob's wife" or "Why can't you treat me the way Susan does?" Comparisons only lead to hurt feelings and arguments.

5. Blame someone else

It's easy to get stuck in "attack" and "blame" mode, says Pam Johnson, a licensed clinical social worker. Building a healthy marriage has everything to do with your attitude when approaching the issue, First Things First adds. Feeling like a team creates a sense of empowerment in your marriage. Don't blame others for problems you and your spouse face. Instead, work through your problems together. Talk to a therapist if you need help problem-solving.

In serious cases such as abuse, divorce might be the best option for you and your children's safety. But in other situations, your marriage can be saved with time, hard work and patience. Talk to your spouse if you want to save your marriage because sometimes, seeing your true desire is the first push to rebuilding your marriage.

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Here are seven things every adult woman still needs from her mom:

1. Your secret to cleaning the toughest stains

Raising kids gives you lots of experiences in cleaning even the worst stains. You've seen it all, from grass-stained pants to mustard on shirts. And you know the secrets to removing it all. So when your daughter's kids accidentally spill their grape juice on the carpet (even though she's told them to keep their food in the kitchen countless times), you're the first person she calls.

2. Little notes of encouragement

She needs to hear your encouragement every day. She needs you to tell her she's a great mom, that everything doesn't have to be perfect and that you're proud of her. Leave a note of encouragement for her to find or remind her how great she's doing during your next visit.

3. That recipe she loved as a kid

She loves trying new recipes from Pinterest, but nothing beats a meal that takes her back to her childhood days. Don't be surprised if your daughter calls you every so often to ask for that family-favorite recipe.

4. Parenting advice

You raised her, so you're the first person she goes to when she needs advice about anything parenting-related from fun children's activities to the best discipline tactics. It doesn't matter if she's a new mom or already has three kids; every mom still needs her mom.

5. A listening ear

There are some things only moms can understand. Your adult daughter needs your listening ear to complain about a rough day, share exciting news or just talk.

6. A girl's day out

She needs some time away from everything: her job, kids and just reality in general. Go out for ice cream together and catch up. Or if she's too beat to go out, stay in and paint your nails while watching a movie. Even though she's an adult, she still desperately wants some mother-daughter bonding time.

7. A hug

A hug from you brightens her rough days and makes her great days even better. Show your daughter how much you care with a reassuring hug.

A beautiful mother-daughter relationship is a wonderful thing because you can always count on each other for love and support. If you feel your relationship needs work, it's not too late to reach out. Call her, stop by for a visit and talk to a therapist if necessary. Your daughter still needs you in her life, no matter her age.

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Women fill Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat with photos and fun tidbits about their lives. It's the perfect way to keep in touch, especially for family and friends that live far away.

But with the rise of social media also came the rise of selfies. Here are five things men hate about the selfies of the woman they love:

1. Self-degrading captions

Your man loves you and thinks the world of you, so it hurts when he sees you putting yourself down on social media with a self-degrading photo caption. If you're struggling with self-esteem, talk to your sweetheart about it. He'll be there to help you remember how wonderful you truly are without having to turn to the internet for validation.

2. Cleavage

Most men are protective of their sweetheart; they don't want the whole world seeing their wife or girlfriend's cleavage. It doesn't even entirely have to do with jealousy. They hope their spouse will respect their own body by not flaunting it on social media.

3. Fishing for compliments

Men don't want their sweetheart relying on others for confidence. He wants his spouse to know how wonderful she is without that validation. Of course, he's always happy to give her compliments (and she'll always love hearing them). But when she posts a selfie with a caption tearing down her appearance to get others to compliment her, it's gone too far.

In an online thread asking what women do that men dislike, one man admitted he didn't like it when women fish for admiration online:

"Compliment fishing: Calling themselves ugly, dumb, fat etc. The only person [whose] opinion should count is yours and it shouldn't need to be said by another person to make it true."

4. Wearing too much makeup

Men love it when you use makeup to highlight your beautiful features, but don't be afraid to wear just a little or even none at all. Your man loves you whether you're all dolled up or are enjoying the natural look. Show off your natural beauty once in a while.

5. Endless selfies

Posting lots of selfies likely means you're confident, and that's wonderful. Men love confident women. But posting too many selfies can send the message that you're self-centered. And that can turn your man away.

In an online thread asking what women do that men dislike, one Redditor says it plainly: "Endless selfies on social media."

Men love seeing their sweetheart's smiling face, so take all the selfies you want. But be sure to leave out these five things. Because while he adores your selfies, he wants you to treat yourself just as highly as he does.

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We hear about sexual harassment cases almost daily, and many people see it in action in their own towns and neighborhoods. Even though it's common, people might miss it not because they're purposely ignoring it, but because they aren't aware it's actually sexual harassment.

What is sexual harassment?

Sexual harassment includes a wide variety of sexually inappropriate actions (both verbal and physical) toward another person. Sexual harassment is also defined as unwanted sexual acts in a workplace or educational environment.

In fact, it's illegal to sexually harass someone in the workplace or at school. But whether or not the harassment occurs in a professional setting, it's wrong. Sexual harassment can happen anywhere with anyone - over the phone, in person or through texting. And its impacts can last years, and in some cases, a lifetime.

Here are nine guidelines to know if you've experienced sexual harassment. Sexual harassment includes:

1. Making sexual jokes

The person making the joke might find it funny, but it's likely no one else does. If someone says a joke that crosses the line, speak up. Those around you probably feel the same way.

2. Spreading sexual rumors

Spreading rumors about someone's sexual orientation, private sex life or anything else sexual is considered harassment. If you suspect someone is spreading rumors about you, address the individual. Let him or her know how their actions are affecting you, and reach out to a professional if necessary.

3. Ridiculing your looks

Any unwanted sexual comment is sexual harassment. This includes people making fun of you, whether they're saying you're unattractive or saying you don't look like your gender.

These degrading comments tear others down, and rude comments replay in a person's head over and over until he or she starts to wonder if it's true. Don't believe nasty things others say about you. If someone is verbally harassing you, reach out to someone you trust for support.

4. Catcalling

This is a tough one because many people see catcalling as innocent, but they can be extremely hurtful. A lot of women are fed up with being whistled at and verbally assaulted on public streets. Some men think their comments are just flattery, but it couldn't be further from that. Catcalling is disrespectful and degrading, and a man who honestly thinks a woman is beautiful will find a kind way to strike up a conversation instead of shouting or whistling.

5. Making offensive comments about your gender

It's illegal to harass someone in the workplace by making fun of their gender, according to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. For example, the EEOC says making fun of women to a female co-worker is sexual harassment. Even if the comment is not directed at you or any specific individual, it is considered sexual harassment to make offensive comments about your gender.

6. Hugging or touching even after you've said no

Any unwanted sexual contact is considered sexual harassment. An innocent hug probably isn't something to be concerned about. But if you mention you don't want to be hugged, that should be the only warning the other person needs. Don't allow someone to get away with the excuse that he or she is just being friendly. Inappropriate or unwanted touching of any kind is unacceptable.

7. Bullying based on sexual orientation

Bullying is never OK. And bullying someone based on their sexual orientation isn't just bullying - it's also sexual harassment. If you are being bullied based on your sexual orientation, speak up. You don't have to face this alone. And if you see someone being bullied, reach out. It's amazing how impactful even one person's support is.

8. Demanding sexual favors for benefits

This is commonly known as something that could happen in the workplace. Asking for sexual favors in exchange for any benefit (like a raise) or to avoid punishment (like employee termination) is considered sexual harassment.

9. Creating a hostile environment

Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, whether verbal or physical. While one offensive comment or tease isn't considered illegal, frequent sexual harassment that creates a hostile workplace environment is. The harasser doesn't have to be your superior or professor; it can be a co-worker, classmate or customer.

Remember, sexual harassment isn't limited to just professional settings. For both in and out of the workplace, individuals can speak to a lawyer or someone they trust to figure out what steps to take next for their safety and well-being.

If you're wondering whether or not you're being sexually harassed, ask yourself these three questions:

1. Was the act or verbal remark wanted?

2. Was the act or verbal remark sexual?

3. Do I feel safe?

You're being sexually harassed if the act or remark was unwanted, sexual and creates an unsafe environment. But you don't have to suffer alone. Seek help from friends, family or a professional for support and advice.

Some people might try to tell you to shrug it off or that it's not a big deal. Don't fall into that trap. Your well-being is a big deal, and the people who truly love and care for you will do everything they can to help.

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If you're a parent, you've probably heard the phrase "I'm bored" about 500 times and counting. But don't turn on the cartoons just yet. Here are 11 things you can do with your kids that don't involve electronics:

1. Create a marble run

Create your own marble run with cardboard, toilet paper rolls and whatever else you have lying around the house. Using your kids imagination and your building skills, you'll be able to create hours of fun with a DIY marble run.

2. Hold a play dough contest

See who can make the coolest, cutest or silliest play dough creation. If you don't have play dough on hand (or if your current play dough has either hardened or been mixed into a colorful mess), you can make your own in just 10 minutes. Find the recipe here.

3. Have a chalk photo session

Technically cameras and camera phones are considered electronics, but you can make an exception for documenting your fun times together. Draw hats, balloons, basketball hoops or other fun photo props and snap away.

4. Perform a skit

Create a skit together - come up with the story, assign roles and choose props. Then perform your skit for grandma and grandpa. They're sure to enjoy it just as much as the kids.

5. Create rain in a jar

Conduct an experiment with your child to teach a science lesson while having fun at the same time. You can create rain in a jar with just a few simple ingredients you probably have on hand.

Fill a jar about three-quarters of the way full with water. Top with shaving cream and let it settle. Drop food coloring into the shaving cream cloud. The color will fall through the cloud and down to the bottom of the jar, creating a rain-like effect.

6. Build a blanket fort

Gather blankets from around the house and build a fort. You can also use boxes if you have some left over from online Christmas shopping. Build a fort together, then cuddle inside and read together.

7. Write your own stories

Make up stories and share them with one another. You can say them out loud or write them down. Let your children's creativity run wild as they make up their own stories and draw pictures to go along with it.

Create your own book by folding a stack of paper and stapling in the crease. Or for something more complex, you can have your stories printed with a hardcover.

8. Learn a new recipe

Learn a new recipe together or teach your kiddos how to make one of their favorite foods. Try a new cookie recipe or teach them how to make mom's famous grilled cheese sandwiches for a fun (and delicious) activity.

9. Teach your dog a new trick

Look up how to teach your dog a new trick and try it together. Help your kids teach your dog the trick, and let them reward their pup with treats. Remind your kids it will take time and patience. Stay consistent with teaching the trick several times a week until your dog masters it. This will provide a sense of accomplishment not only for your family dog, but for your kids as well.

10. Do morning exercises

Many kids love mimicking their parents - they aren't making fun of you, they just want to be exactly like you! Let your kids join you during your morning run or yoga session. Having your children join you can even give you the motivation you need to keep it up.

11. Create a memory book

Drive around town and take pictures of your favorite places. Take a photo of your kids in front of their school, the local park, your kid's favorite restaurant and other favorite places. Compile the photos in a memory book. You and your kids will love flipping through the pictures while you remember the good times you shared.

Kids love spending time with you. Set aside the electronics once in a while and do something together — those are the memories they'll remember and treasure forever.

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Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable diseases in the United States. Even with the overwhelming amount of studies and statistics sharing the dangers of smoking, people continue to smoke. That's because once you start, it's difficult to stop.

It only takes one

A recent 16-year study shows it only takes one cigarette to become addicted. Data from 215,000 individuals in Australia, New Zealand, the U.S. and the UK revealed 60.3 percent of people had tried smoking and about 68.9 percent of those people continued smoking daily.

You might want to try just one cigarette thinking you won't become addicted. But as shown from this comprehensive study, it's more than likely just one puff can turn into a daily habit.

How to recognize a tobacco addiction

Someone who's addicted to tobacco might deny their addiction. But the first (and crucial) step to overcoming it is to admit the problem. It's considered a tobacco addiction of the individual:

• Cannot stop smoking, despite several attempts

• Experiences withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit, including shaky hands, irritability or a rapid heart rate

• Must smoke after long periods of time without using tobacco

• Needs tobacco to feel "normal"

• Turns to tobacco when feeling stressed

• Gives up activities or won't attend events where smoking is not allowed

• Continues to smoke despite health problems

When someone's daily schedule starts to revolve around smoking, it's a sign of a tobacco addiction. Many people are aware of the effects this habit can have on a person and the people around them, and smoking is continually decreasing.

Smoking is losing popularity

About 15 percent of U.S. adults smoke cigarettes, down from 21 percent in 2005. And smoking is even decreasing in the age group most likely to smoke. The first smoking records date back to 1974, reporting that 35 percent of 24 to 35-year-olds never picked up smoking. Today that number is up to 60 percent.

Smoking is also losing popularity among the younger age groups. Cigarette use among high school students decreased from 15 percent in 2011 to eight percent in 2016, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"Creating an environment in which fewer young people try smoking and more smokers quit will protect the health of future generations and avoid hundreds and thousands of premature deaths," UK policy director Hazel Cheeseman says.

Another form of tobacco is on the rise

While the younger generation is less likely to reach for a cigarette, they are trying a different form of tobacco: e-cigarettes. About 11 percent of high school students reported using e-cigarettes within the last 30 days, the CDC's definition of current use. This is a 9.8 percent increase from 2011 but a five percent decrease from 2015, leading some experts to believe it was only a temporary trend.

"While the number of high school students who use e-cigarettes is still too high, this rapid decline is a positive indicator that much youth e-cigarette use has been experimental and that the current offering of products may be less appealing to youth than feared," said Truth Initiative CEO Robin Koval.

How to quit smoking

If you're smoking, it's never too late to quit. Take action now to be healthier for yourself and your family. Here are a few expert tips on how to quit smoking:

• Write down why you want to quit and put it somewhere you can see it every day

• Listen to real experiences from past smokers on the CDC's website

• Avoid situations and activities you associate with smoking

• Call the quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW

• Ask your doctor about nicotine replacements or other medications

Reach out to your family, friends and doctor for help quitting. By sharing your goal with others, you have someone else to hold you accountable and encourage you as you change your lifestyle to become happier and healthier.

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A child's needs go beyond the basics of food, water and shelter. In order to build a happy parent-child relationship, you need to go a step beyond that and give your child love, time and attention. Here are 13 small but impactful ways to fill your child's needs:

1. Slip a note in your child's lunch box

Show your child you're thinking of him or her by slipping a note into their lunchbox for a fun surprise mid-day. A sweet note will give your child the motivation needed to get through the rest of the school day.

2. Cover the driveway with chalk drawings

Do something artsy together. Draw with chalk on a nice sunny day (or paint with watercolors on a rainy day.) Your child will love spending time with you and admiring the artwork afterwards.

3. Stay up a half hour later to finish the movie

Make an exception to stay up just a little past bedtime. Bend the typical schedule every once in a while to spend more time with your child. Finish the movie, read one more book or talk a little longer about their day before tucking your children in bed.

4. Attend the school play

Your kids love showing off what they've worked hard at. Attend their school play, band concert or baseball game. Just seeing you in the crowd will mean the world to your child.

5. Look at old photos together

Teach your child about past family traditions and what life was like for their grandparents and great-grandparents. Look through some pictures of you at your child's age and show your child what he or she looked like as a baby.

6. Show off your child's artwork on the fridge

Maybe you can't even tell what the drawing is, but your child will love seeing their work proudly displayed on the fridge. When it gets too crowded, take their favorite pieces down and preserve them in a scrapbook.

7. Celebrate good grades with their favorite dessert

Celebrate their achievements, especially ones they've tried so hard to reach. The celebration can be as simple as eating their favorite dessert or as big as having a family party. Your recognition can encourage your child to keep trying to be even better and set higher goals. A parent's support means so much to children.

8. Eat dinner together

One of the best gifts you can ever give your child is time. Make an effort to eat dinner together every day. It's not just about sitting down together for a meal; it's also a time to ask your children about their day and hear how they're doing.

9. Create new traditions together

Follow some of the traditions you grew up with, but add some new ones too. Building and keeping traditions is a fun way to make your family a priority.

10. Kiss their boo-boos

Comfort them when they're sad to let your children know you'll always be there when they need you. Something as small as kissing a boo-boo is actually showing them you care about how they feel and will never hesitate to help them any way you can.

11. Read together

Reading to children strengthens their literacy ability, their language skills and the parent-child relationship. Study after study shows how reading improves the child's education and family relationships. Let your child pick out a book and make it a tradition to read together every day.

12. Hug your child goodbye

Show physical affection every day by giving your child a hug before they catch the school bus (or whenever they leave the house.) This small action of love only takes a second to do but can set a positive tone for their entire day.

13. Follow a consistent schedule

They'll never admit it, but children love consistency. It gives them structure and a sense of security. That doesn't mean the entire day needs to be planned out from the minute they open their eyes until bedtime, but try to have some daily consistency. For example, set a bedtime routine. Have your kids get in their pajamas then pile into your bed for a story.

Try filling a few of these needs for your child or come up with some of your own. Your children desperately want your love and attention, and even just a little of your time each day can have an amazing impact on your relationship.

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If your marriage is in a slump, you might be looking for ways to reignite the flame you once felt between you. Try doing something small (but impactful) to improve your marriage little by little each day. And if you're overwhelmed with wondering where to start, we've compiled a 30-day challenge for you.

There are two activities for each day of this challenge: complete the action for the day and write down one thing you love about your spouse on a small piece of paper. Compile these notes in a jar to give to your spouse at the end of the challenge.

If you're ready to transform your marriage, fill your month with these small acts of love:

Day 1

Kiss your spouse good morning

Day 2

Check in with your spouse during the day and ask if he or she needs anything

Day 3

Think of something positive about your spouse and mention it

Day 4

Let your spouse pick out a movie and watch it together

Day 5

Thank your spouse for something small

Day 6

Watch the sunset together

Day 7

Think from your spouse's perspective

Day 8

Ask your spouse what you can do to make their day easier

Day 9

Spend at least 15 minutes of uninterrupted time together (even if it's right before bed)

Day 10

Tell your spouse "I love you" with your actions

Day 11

Avoid saying or thinking anything negative about your spouse

Day 12

Plan a date night this month and mark it on the calendar

Day 13

Spend the entire evening with your spouse, even if it's something small and simple

Day 14

Tell your spouse how beautiful or handsome they look

Day 15

Ask your spouse what you can improve on, then focus on that aspect

Day 16

Think of something your spouse needs and do it

Day 17

Apologize when you hurt your spouse, no matter how small the issue

Day 18

Ask your spouse about their day and truly listen

Day 19

Cuddle on the couch

Day 20

If you've been holding on to a grudge, forgive your spouse

Day 21

Make your sweetheart's favorite meal

Day 22

Think of a couple you admire and do something they might do

Day 23

Hug your spouse three times

Day 24

Greet your spouse right when you or they come home

Day 25

Say, "I love you because..."

Day 26

Reminisce about your first date together

Day 27

Laugh together - watch a funny movie or play a silly game

Day 28

Ask your spouse about his or her goals

Day 29

Say, "I love being married to you because..."

Day 30

Give your spouse the love jar to open one note each day

Even if you and your spouse are as happy as can be, a marriage challenge is a fun way to maintain your strong bond. Try this challenge and add a few ideas of your own to keep showing your love each day.

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