A therapist suggests busy couples should go on 'micro-dates' - 10 minutes together without distraction - to keep their relationship on track.

Chris Cambas 57, and his wife, Lori, 56, are both couples counsellors and practice micro-dating - at least 10 minutes of face-to-face interaction a day, free of outside distractions.

The therapist explained the 'micro-date' doesn't have to be an extravagant affair - and could be eating breakfast together or a cuddle in the morning.

According to Chris, micro-dating is a key element of sustaining a healthy relationship, and keeping the spark alive.

Chris, from Tampa, Florida, US, said: "Everyone is super busy. The world comes at us with the speed of light.

"When we have children, it's a lot.

"Micro-dates are small moments in the day a couple can connect - whether it's cooking breakfast together in the morning, or having a FaceTime on your lunch break.

"You should block outside interferences - your phone, kids, bosses and friends - to share a small moment together."

According to the marriage therapist, the optimal time for a 'micro-date' is between 10 and 15 minutes.

He recalled having to make an effort to prioritise his marriage while his son, Austin, 24, was growing up, by using the technique.

He said: "When our son was young we still managed to find times for ourselves, even if it was just 10 or 15 minutes sat on the porch together.

He added: "It's just about intentional moments together - it's not about blowing up someone's phone all day.

You can take micro-dating any way you want to.

"You could even hook up in a hotel on your lunch break."

Lori and Chris have launched a free micro-date challenge on their website couplestrong.com.