This coffee hack saved my marriage — and it only takes 5 minutes

This five-minute morning routine is a relationship pick-me-up.

Starting your day with a cup of coffee and a check-in with your partner could ward off divorce, according to relationship expert and life coach Aston Simmonds.

“My husband and I do this every single day now because it feels so good and we instantly feel more connected,” she wrote in a post for Kidspot.

“I promise if you check in for just five minutes a day, every other area of your life will benefit too.”

Just four years ago, Simmonds revealed she and her husband were mulling over the idea of divorce for the very first time; their conversations revolved around chores, bills and parenting, sprinkled with arguments “about who was doing the most or not enough.”

“In between working, dinner, baths and cleaning the house, it felt like there was no time for us to talk and share what was on our minds,” she recalled.

Instead of grabbing a cup of joe and heading out the door in the morning rush, the couple slowed down and used the few minutes spent indulging in their java to communicate more clearly in the hopes of salvaging their partnership.

“It not only saved our marriage but completely transformed our relationship,” she wrote. “Why? Because this hack is more than just a caffeine fix; it’s a relationship hack that keeps us connected, even in the midst of life’s chaos.”

Simmonds’ clients report communication as one of the biggest challenges in relationships, she revealed, but adding this simple step into your morning routine can make a world of difference.

“I truly believe the difference between a successful relationship and a failing relationship is that they check in with each other regularly, NOT just when they’ve had enough and are ready to check out,” she wrote.

First, they start with expressing how they each feel about themselves and in the relationship with the intention to listen as the other person shares. This is followed by a time of reflection on the positive aspects of your partner and your relationship to “appreciate and celebrate each other before correcting.”

“The third part of the coffee check-in is to create a safe space for your partner to express any concerns, worries, or unspoken thoughts,” Simmonds continued.

“It’s essential for both partners to feel comfortable and safe sharing openly. The intention is to hold a space of non-judgement for each other.”

Next, Simmonds recommends taking a few moments to communicate both personal and shared goals to “align your vision for the future” and brainstorm ways to support one another while pursuing your dreams.