Long term relationships take a lot of time and effort to be successful. One way my husband and I have found to keep our relationship strong and healthy for 30 years is our yoga practice.

A regular yoga practice has many physical benefits. It can regulate your blood pressure, help maintain your weight, encourage deeper breathing which brings in more oxygen that keeps your brain and vital organs healthier. It also brings some more subtle benefits, such as better self image and higher self esteem. All of these benefits can relate to a better relationship.

If you are feeling better physically, you will be more likely to want to be an active participant with your partner. If you are feeling better about yourself, you will want to spend more time with others, including your partner.

Another benefit of a regular yoga practice is a healthier sex life. All of the physical and mental benefits of a yoga practice can contribute to a better attitude about sex and hence, a more active sex life. While sex isn't the only thing one is looking for in a long term relationship, it doesn't hurt to have a healthy, active sex life!

A very simple way to connect with a loved one is to synchronize your breath. Sit comfortably, either on the floor or in chairs, and face each other. You need to be close enough together to touch each other without straining. Place your left hand over your partner's heart center - the area often referred to as the breast bone. Have your partner place their left hand over your heart center. Then place your right hand over your partner's left hand and have them place their right hand over your left hand. Gaze into each other's eyes and become aware of your breath and their breath. See if you can begin to move towards breathing together. This may take some time and practice. Take your time and see what happens.

Simply sitting quietly and really looking into each other's eyes is a wonderful way to connect. Think about it. When was the last time you fully focused your attention on your partner? Not on their words or actions, but just on them. This is a beautiful gift you can give each other, and all it costs is a few minutes of your time and attention.

If sharing a yoga practice appeals to you, there are several different ways to accomplish this goal. The simplest is to use a yoga video at home. You can buy a video or borrow one from the library. Set a time, and practice yoga. This works best if at least one of you has some experience with yoga.

Another option is to simply attend a yoga class together. Make it a date night and meet at class after work then go out for a light dinner after class.

The best option is to find a partner yoga class or workshop. Partner yoga is designed for two people to create yoga poses together, from simple breathing exercises as above, to working together to make a yoga pose with two bodies.

Whichever way you decide to go, sharing a yoga practice can help deepen your relationship at many levels and help you create a deeper connection with your partner.