Aaron Rodgers and actor girlfriend Shailene Woodley hope to grow stronger with some time apart

Aaron Rodgers and girlfriend Shailene Woodley

National Football League (NFL) star Aaron Rodgers and actor girlfriend Shailene Woodley are hoping that staying away from each other temporarily to focus on their respective careers will help strengthen their bond in the long run.

The Divergent actor and Rodgers are set to be busy with work for several months as Woodley has projects coming up, and Rodgers is about to start a new NFL season with the Green Bay Packers.

Rodgers told Haute Living magazine: "It's a busy work time for her, so [my decision] probably came at a good time for both of us to be able to focus on our work. I think it's going to be a good thing. I mean, her work was shut down for an entire year, and she's booked a number of projects. She enjoys working and her own routine, which I obviously enjoy, too."