By Rebecca Jones
Between the demands of work, the hassles of our daily grind and the days that fly by before we know what hits us it often seems that “not tonight dear” is quickly becoming replaced with “not this month.” That doesn’t mean that we have to roll over and accept as inevitable that our libido is a thing of the past. Having a happy and satisfying sex life is not only good for us emotionally but it can be good for our health as well. Reduced stress, an improved immune system and lowered risk of heart disease are just a few of the health benefits attributed to an active sex life so before you tell yourself you just don’t have the time or energy read on and learn 8 things you can do today to get your groove back tonight.
1. Get Some Exercise
A direct correlation has been established between personal fitness and sexual desire and satisfaction. Exercising just 35-45 minutes a day can get the blood pumping and nervous system primed, it will also improve strength, endurance and flexibility, always a plus in the bedroom. The next time you are feeling too stressed for romance even 10 minutes of cardio activity can help put you back in the mood.
2. Start With a Back Rub
A little physical contact will release the hormone oxytocin. This is the same hormone that is released during orgasm to encourage bonding and trust between partners. The more oxytocin in your system the more you feel like putting down that remote and making time for your significant other.
3. Read a Dirty Book
There is truth to the statement that the brain is the most important sexual organ. Not in the mood? Studies have proven that reading even mildly erotic literature can increase sexual desire in both men and women.
4. Take Your Vitamins
If you are always too tired at the end of the day more than a hectic lifestyle could be to blame. Reduced levels of the B vitamin folate and iron can cause fatigue and lethargy. Taking a multivitamin with 100% of the recommended dose of these nutrients will ensure that you have the energy to go the distance.
5. Relax
Nothing puts a damper on romance like stress. You can’t concentrate on your desires when your brain is thinking about the bills piling up downstairs. Try meditating for a few minutes before bed, you might find as your brain clears that your body is in the mood after all.
6. Viagra: Not Just for Men Anymore
Members of both sexes need a certain amount of blood flow for arousal. Though Viagra is only FDA approved for men many doctors will prescribe it for women as well. Just remember that a little blue pill can only give you a physical boost it can not fix any of the mental or emotional blocks in your sex life.
7. Check Your Medications
There are many commonly prescribed medications that wreak havoc on the libido especially anti-depressants. Check with your doctor to see if there are alternatives available or if you can take the occasional day off from your current medications without any negative consequences.
8. Make it a Quickie
Remember when sex could happen anytime and anyplace? You don’t need to set aside 2 hours before bed every night; try squeezing in five or ten minutes on your lunch break. You might find that with a little less pressure and a lot more spontaneity sex becomes something to look forward to again.
Sex plays an important part in the life of any couple as it allows us to connect on a physical level and bond on an emotional one. Problems in the bedroom have a tendency to spill over into all aspects of a relationship so they should not be shrugged off as inevitable or unimportant. If the mood hasn’t been coming to you lately don’t be afraid to go looking for it you might just get more that you bargained for.