How to use sex to manage stress
By Adesuwa Ewoigbokan
It is a well known fact that mutual sex is very healthy especially as sex and stress are linked in several ways. Though stress can cause low sex drive, it can also be a powerful stress reliever.
Regular sex might reduce tension in the long-term, lowering our baseline levels of stress, says Laurie Mintz, Ph.D, author of A Tired Woman’s Guide to Passionate Sex, and expert for sex toy brand LELO. “Think of it as a medication,” she says.
“You have to keep taking it to get the stress-relieving effects.”
As you know, sex reduces levels of stress hormones such as; adrenaline and cortisol, according to research published in The Journal of Health and Social Behaviour. It also stimulates the production of endorphins, brain chemicals that naturally boost your mood.
Other sexual activity like masturbation and oral sex, can also trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone that may positively affect the mood. “Oxytocin is often called the love hormone which stimulates feelings of warmth and relaxation.
” It is best known for its ability to make you feel bonded to others, it is the reason you might feel especially close to your boo after partnered sex. It’s released anytime you orgasm and can make you feel more chilled.
So, incorporating regular orgasms with another proven anti-stress technique, may act as a good way to unwind.
These include; exercising daily, meditating and getting enough rest. Most people find that anxiety kills their libido. Basically, you should aim to find activities that relaxes you and if having a great orgasm is one of those things, you can feel even better knowing that science is on your side.
Love making has some obvious stress management components; apart from effectively taking your mind off your worries for a decent period of time, it can provide some of these other stress management benefits listed below:
Deep Breathing – this relaxes, releases tension and reduces the stress you feel. It’s true that breathing exercises can perform individually to achieve stress management benefits.
Combining the benefits of breathing exercises with the pleasure and intimacy of sex with a loving partner, can be so enjoyable. Why not do both for better results?
Studies show that massage can be a great stress reliever; so, you need to indulge in touching for your emotional health. This type of loving touch if done with a lover can be a great stress reliever as well.
Partners who have a supportive social outlet, tend to manage stress better, live longer and enjoy increased overall health. The type of emotional intimacy that sex can help supply is good for you.
Depending on your level of enthusiasm, you can burn a lot of calories during sex and gain the stress management benefits of exercise as well. Unfortunately, many people find that when they’re under stress, their sex drive suffers.
But with a little intention and effort, it is possible to get in the mood for sex even when you feel too stressed.
In conclusion, sex can lead to less of a stress response during challenging situation which is, really, a nice thing to do if you ask me especially, as it relaxes your body and mind, leaving you feeling better for hours afterward.
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