It sometimes feels that we're always being told to try the latest superfood or a new fitness regime that's the secret to a better life - only for the advice to change the following week. But rather than following the latest fads, we should focus on habits that are easy to follow and that will bring about positive change in our minds and bodies.
Sex is not something to be considered in isolation but is instead an integral part of your physical and mental health. So changes that improve your general health will also have a positive impact on your sex life. Adding healthy habits into your day to day routine will not only enhance your energy and self-confidence but give a boost to every area of your life - including sex.
Here are our top five small habits that can help you be healthier and boost your libido:
These days, as boundaries between home and work become more blurred, it's not easy to switch off. You recognise the scenario: sitting in bed with your laptop, reading work emails or planning your next presentation. It might not seem to be a significant problem while it's happening, but before you know, you find yourself thinking about your Zoom meeting instead of focusing on your partner!
The quickest way to transform this bad habit is to banish screens from your bedroom and make it a space only for sleeping and sex. Keep a designated part of your home for work. It doesn't have to be a separate room, it can be just a desk in the corner of a living room.
When you can shut off work, you'll be less stressed and more present for your partner. You'll be able to connect emotionally on a more profound level, and sex will be more enjoyable for both of you.
OK, so it's not the first time you've heard it, but it's good advice: building regular exercise into your schedule is a fantastic way to improve your sex life. Running, weight training, yoga, Pilates or swimming - it doesn't matter what it is. When you choose an exercise that you enjoy, you'll be more likely to do it.
Stress is one of the most common reasons women lose interest in sex, and one of the most effective ways of dealing with stress is to exercise regularly. Exercise causes the body to release endorphins, the feel-good hormones. It not only helps you deal with current stressful situations but also helps to stop stress and anxiety from building up.
And because exercise helps to tone muscles and increase flexibility and stamina, it also enhances your sexual pleasure, and you'll be more likely to have a good time.
Communicating with your partner and getting to know them is the secret to a successful relationship. As well as talking and listening to your partner, keeping your emotional connection alive will reignite the spark in bed! Make time for date nights or try learning something new together, such as a sport or hobby, or plan a trip together.
And communication has a vital role to play if you want to give your sex life a boost. You could talk to your partner about role-playing, fantasies, trying different positions or having sex at a different time of day to your usual routine. Some people find it a little uncomfortable to talk about these things, but it's an excellent way to improve your sexual relationship.
It's a widespread belief that having sex helps you sleep well, but the reverse is also true! Sleep is essential for both physical and mental health. Poor sleep increases cortisol levels while reducing the body's production of oestrogen and testosterone, the sex hormones. And if you're feeling exhausted, you're probably not going to be very interested in sex.
So if you want to boost your sex life, one of the first things to do is to try and improve your quality of sleep. Bach Flower Mix 47 for fatigue can help treat insomnia and reduce stress and anxiety.
Ban screens for a couple of hours before bed, make sure that your bedroom is dark and isn't too hot or too cold and treat yourself to some new bed linen.
If your efforts don't seem to be working, don't give up. Some people find it easiest to talk about their problems with friends. They might not be experts, but they may have had similar experiences and be able to offer comfort and advice. Bach Flower Mix 41 can also help with a lack of desire.
It's not at all unusual to have problems with your sex life, so don't be afraid to seek help from experts. GPs can address and treat any physical problems you may have, while psychotherapists and obs-gynaecologists can also provide support. They can also refer you to a sex therapist, so you can explore any issues that may be barring your way to more fulfilling sex.
Sources:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/11-ways-to-help-yourself-to-a-better-sex-life
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/loss-of-libido/
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