Forget date nights. This therapist swears by 'day dates' in the wilderness.

For married couple Hannah and Connor Eaton, adventure is the best form of therapy. The Seattle couple make time together for regular day trips outdoors, says Hannah Eaton, 28, a marital and family therapist and wilderness guide.

These excursions give them a much-needed break from their typical responsibilities, provide them with a sense of shared wonderment, and help them build resilience in their relationship, according to Eaton.

“It really allows us to connect and reconnect and get to know one another on deeper levels without the distractions of technology and everyday life,” Eaton tells NBC News BETTER. “It can be very liberating and freeing just to be together with your backpack on your back or your bikes.”

Here’s how Eaton, the founder of Sequoia Immersions, a couples counseling service in Seattle that combines therapy with wilderness retreats, says couples can incorporate adventure into their relationship.

Take a day trip at least once a month

The more time couples spend outdoors together, the better, says Eaton. She and Connor take long wilderness trips together once or twice a year, but also make time for local excursions regularly around Seattle, whether it’s biking, hiking, or kayaking, “even if its a half day,” she says.

These short getaways give them much-needed alone time, she says.

“It’s a great time to catch up and to update one another on your inner world, what’s going on, what your dreams and ambitions are,” Eaton says, “and just further connect you as a couple, while enjoying the beauty and restorative properties [of nature].”

Choose a novel experience

If you and your partner aren’t accustomed to exercise or being outdoors, Eaton advises starting out with a small half-day trip. But she says to pick an experience that will challenge you and provide you both with a sense of novelty. The experience should be outside your comfort zone, but not so much that it will be too frightening or difficult for either of you, she says.

Embrace the adversity of nature

Spending time outdoors together will force you to work together and deal with conflict as a couple, says Eaton.

In their adventures, the Eatons have biked through lightning storms, chased down and mended ripped and blown-away tents in the rain, and have even run out of water together in the desert. It wasn’t fun at the time, but it made their relationship stronger, she says.

“When you are faced with those adversities, it really forces you to decide, ‘How are we going to face this?’” Eaton says. “We can face this as a team together, stay on one another’s side, or not.”

Related

Your Brain On

Your Brain OnWhy scientists say experiencing awe can help you live your best life

Be prepared

Before heading into the great outdoors, take caution, says Eaton, especially if you are inexperienced. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the trails and terrain, bring plenty of food and water and a first aid kit, and make sure you proactively think through anything unexpected that could happen.

For bigger excursions, she recommends hiring a guide, joining an outdoor group or taking friends with you who are experienced.

“It can be a really great entry point that can feel more comfortable and that won’t cause extra stress on the relationship,” Eaton says.