Five Contemporary Intimacy Exercises for Married Couples

Some of us may still fall victim to the belief system that “true love happens naturally” and the implication that “work need not apply” to loving relationships. If you are guilty of this type of thinking, you may be in trouble.

The reality is, real love takes real work and effort, long after the move-in date or the exchanging of vows. But knowing how to build it is another subject entirely.

Intimacy in marriage is a combination of physical, emotional, mental, and even spiritual closeness that you develop with your partner as you share your lives with each other.

Building intimacy in a marriage is essential for strengthening the bond that a couple shares. So what can couples do to build intimacy in their marriage?

Be it couples intimacy games, intimacy exercises for married couples, or relationship-building activities for couples you should always keep striving to find ways to keep your relationship intimate.

Let this article prepare you to get started with some marriage intimacy exercises for couples to reconnect which are frequently recommended in couples’ therapy.

These ‘couple exercises for intimacy’ by relationship coach Jordan Gray will work wonders for your married life!

1. Extra-long cuddle

Let’s kick things off with an easy one. Choose the time, whether at night or in the morning, and spend that precious time just snuggling for 30 minutes at least. If you normally snuggle for this length of time, increase it to an hour.

Why does it work?

Physical closeness is one of the hallmarks of bonding. The pheromones, kinetic energy, and chemical reactions that happen just by snuggling with your loved one create the sense of connectedness necessary in healthy relationships.

Not only does this work as a sex therapy exercises but also as an emotional intimacy exercise.

2. Breathing connection exercise

Like many intimate activities, this one may seem silly at first, but open your mind to trying it and you may just love it. You and your partner will face one another seated, and lightly touch your foreheads together, eyes closed.

You will begin to breathe, deep, intentional breaths in tandem.  The recommended number of breaths in tandem starts at 7, but you and your partner can participate for as many breaths as you like.

Why does it work?

The touch, and the experience of the touch, aligned with the breathing, brings about natural feelings of connectedness through the shared energy exchanged via the brow or “third eye” chakra.

This may tap into some of our most primal resources in our ability to engage in spirituality and to exchange energetic forces through organic means.

3. Soul gaze

In this building intimacy exercise, you are merely sitting faced to one another and will stare into one another’s eyes, imagining that the eyes are a “window into the soul”. As many of these types of exercises may seem corny at first, this one is a classic.

Though you may indeed feel awkward in the beginning,  as you get used to sitting and gazing into one another’s eyes the exercise becomes relaxing and meditative. Try putting it to music so that you have  4-5 minutes of timed focus.

Why does it work?

This type of exercise tends to slow things down.  It should be done several times per week for maximum benefit.  In today’s busy world, focusing for 4-5 minutes just gazing into one another’s eyes helps the couple to relax and regroup.  

Yes, it is okay to blink during the exercise, but try and avoid talking.  Some couples use a 4 or 5 minute song to set the background and time.

4. Three things

You and your partner can play this one however you like.  One of you may state your things all in one go, or you may alternate.  Think of the questions you want to ask; write them down if it helps.  

The questions will be phrased as such:

What 3 things will you want to eat for dessert this month?

What 3 things will you be sure to take with you on an adventure to a tropical island?

What 3 things do you hope to do together that we haven’t tried?

These are merely examples; you get the idea.

Why does it work?

This is an intimacy and marriage communication exercise. It enhances the bond between you by increasing communication skills and provides knowledge of one another’s thoughts, feelings, and interests.  

It is also helpful as interests can change over time. The answers will also yield information that will most likely prove useful in the future.

5. Two ears, one mouth

In this active listening exercise, one partner talks or “vents” on a topic of their choosing, while the other partner must sit facing them, merely listening and not speaking.  

The both of you may be amazed at how unnatural it can feel to actually just listen without speaking.  After the five minutes, three minutes, or eight-minute rant is over, the listener then is free to express feedback.

Why does it work?

Active listening practice is another communication exercise that enhances our ability to truly listen and take in another’s stream of consciousness.

Focusing on them intently without distractions gives them the sense of our undivided attention; something of vital importance but of which is rare in today’s busy world.

Intentional listening also reminds us to stay focused on the other person without asserting our opinions prematurely. At the end of this exercise, you will exchange places as speaker/listener.

Additional bedtime couples exercises and tips for better intimacy

Here are some amazing bedtime routines to incorporate into your daily lives for better intimacy:

• Keep your phones away: Not only is keeping the phone away great for your relationship but having zero electronic light is also beneficial for sleep hygiene as well. It will really work wonders for the quality of sleep that you’ll be able to get.  
   
  Prioritize your connection with your partner for some time before you doze off – talk about the day, your feelings or anything else that’s on your mind. Make sure to switch off the phones or light a few fragrant candles or two to bond better.

• Sleep naked: Taking all your clothes off before you sleep has proven health benefits (it regulates cortisol, is great for genital health and improves skin quality too). This is one of the best couples sex therapy exercises.  Additionally,  it also allows you and your partner to have more skin on skin contact which results in the release of oxytocin. Plus, it makes having sex in the morning so much easier! 

• Massage each other: Massaging each other is a great routine to keep! Imagine you’ve had a tough day and are being pampered by your partner with a loving massage. Whatever your reason, massage is a great tool for enhanced relaxation before bedtime and couples connection.

• Show gratitude: Do you know what sucks at the end of the day? Criticism. Now replace that with gratitude and you’ll see what a difference it makes to your life. Say thanks at the end of the day to your spouse and you’ll notice how rewarding life becomes.
  

• Have sex: The best way to reconnect at night as a couple is to have sex! Of course, you cannot do it every single day. But, do engage with each other intimately/sexually and explore new and limitless options every single night.

Dedicate at least 30-60 minutes of your day on couples therapy exercises with your spouse and witness the upward spiral effect of it in all areas of your lives.

Continue exploring this topic

Talk to our Marriage.com AI Relationship Coach

Chat with me, ask questions and get help

Start Chatting

Marriage.com AI: Your Relationship Guide

Talk through what's on your mind.

Automated

Hi, I'm your relationship guide. What's on your mind?

YOU COULD START WITH

What are some intimacy exercises for married couples?

How can work improve a loving relationship?

AI guidance only - not therapy. In crisis? Call a helpline or Find a Therapist

Terms

Kelli H Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Kelli Hastings is a writer, social worker, and proud advocate for women. She earned her B.A. degree from the University of Oregon in 2007, and worked as a behavior support specialist and program manager. She is inspired to support couples, teach them skills that lead to healthy, happy and romantic... Read more partnerships. Her interests include cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, visualization practice, and related therapies. Read less

Marriage.com Assessment

What Help Does Your Relationship Need Most Right Now Quiz

Reviewed byJennifer Schulz, LCSW

Backed by relationship science and evidence-based psychology, this assessment helps identify the area of your relationship that deserves the most attention right now, whether things feel strong or slightly off. Research shows that even healthy relat...

Questions: 20 | Last updated: Jan 23, 2026

Sample Question

When you and your partner talk about something important…

We listen with care — even hard talks feel safe and productive

We try to talk, but lately emotional closeness feels harder to reach

I want to be open, but part of me still guards my heart

Our discussions sometimes spiral or end unresolved

It’s hard to feel close because our physical intimacy hasn’t felt strong lately

We often see things differently about goals or priorities

Take the Quiz Now