We’re having less sex than ever before, but are we just tired, or has our libido taken a dip?
This is an extract from an article which Helen Birch featured in for The Nutriccomestic Company, the article in full can be found here .
While everyone’s sexual desire is different and constantly fluctuating, it can be confusing if you experience a notable dip in sexual desire whether you’re single or in a relationship. Explore why you might be experiencing a lull in libido, and discover ways you can bring sex back into focus with these top tips to turn up the heat.
In our modern world, we’re busy, tired, and stressed all the time. Increased work commitments, social pressures and the need to keep up with the latest trends, TV shows or self-care practice means we’re constantly bombarded and mentally exhausted, but how is that affecting our sex lives?
“A person’s libido is complex – it fluctuates monthly and even daily. Sexual desire changes depending on the environment and interactions such, stress, medication, sleep, self-worth and for women where they are in their cycle,” says sex therapist Helen Birch.
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
Your sexual health is just like any other part of your health. Getting enough sleep, eating a varied, well-balanced diet, staying hydrated, and reducing stress are all important factors to consider if you’re experiencing a dip in desire.
NATURAL HEALING
In the same way that plants are used to boost immunity, energy, and mood, they can boost our sexual health too. Adaptogens reduce chronic stress in the body – something many of us just accept as normal! When we feel stressed, high cortisol levels (the stress hormone) inhibit testosterone, one of the key sex hormones
MANAGE STRESS & ANXIETY
Stress, anxiety, and depression are key factors that can reduce sex drive and affect your vaginal health. To manage these mood-killers, seek professional help, unwind with yoga, meditation and mindfulness, or try the latest stress-relieving trend, cold water therapy. The instant mood-lift and its ability to improve your stress response can work wonders.
“Integrating exercise not only helps hormone balance it also helps with self-esteem and body confidence which means we are more comfortable to get naked,” says Snowdon-Darling. Exercise can help boost endorphins and reduce stress levels, especially for an often-forgotten muscle, your pelvic floor. “The pelvic floor is a muscle just like any other muscle in your body and so it needs working out in the same way. The stronger your pelvic floor, the stronger your orgasms,” says Birch.
RELAX & RECONNECT
“Our libido depends on many things, but hormones play a key factor which is why we see women’s sex drive reducing as hormones change during peri to post-menopause. We are naturally programmed to have a higher sex drive in the middle of the month when we ovulate as our body produces testosterone which naturally makes us desire sex more.
Birch suggests reconnecting with your body, not just sexually. “Your sensual self involves moving your body, giving and receiving touch, dancing, or any other form of self-care which brings you pleasure. Find something to bring you confidence and happiness.”
SCHEDULE IT IN
“While this might sound like the least sexy idea you have ever heard. Scheduling sex is a great way to set yourself up for pleasure. Reframe your thinking around this and instead spend time daydreaming about what might happen, creating excitement and a sense of anticipation. It gives you something to look forward to. You all know how good it feels in the build-up to a holiday. Planning time for sex, also reduces stress and anxiety in busy modern life,” says Birch
GO FORTH & SEXPLORE!
When it comes to rediscovering your sexual desire, you’ll notice there’s no quick fix. Getting stressed and losing sleep over a lulled libido will do you no favours! Take the holistic approach to find your favourite kind of pleasure and have fun sexploringin the process!
If you are suffering from low libido or any other sexual concerns please get in touch with me Helen and lets see how we can hep you reach your goal.