Sex is one of the most effective ways to relieve stress. Sex releases endorphins and other hormones that boost your mood. Sex is also a fun and fantastic exercise, which itself is an excellent stress buster. But here's the hitch, stress puts the brakes on your libido, and even worse, makes it impossible to perform sexually.
Does this scenario sound familiar?
You've had a rough day. You get home late, still sulking over the crappy day you had. In bed, your partner initiates. Instead of enjoying the encounter, your mind can't get there, and neither can your erection. You don't recognize that the problem is simple, daily stress. So, instead of relaxing and taking the night off, you try for the impossible and force yourself to perform, and it doesn't work.
The next time you're in bed with your partner, the memory of what happened last time makes you fail again. And the more you try, the worse it gets, and the situation spirals downward. The stress of performing becomes so ingrained; your automatic response is erectile dysfunction (ED) whenever you even think about sex. This scenario is one of the reasons guys will avoid intimacy altogether.
For many men, ED is simply a stress response. And here's the good news, in many cases, recognizing the stress factor as the cause of your sexual problems will start you on the road to recovery. On the flip side, ignoring the problem can lead to anger, depression, physical illness, and permanent loss of your intimate relationship.
The following body-mind suggestions can help retrain your stress response and reverse the process before it gets out of control.
Communicate
Sexual dysfunction can lead to hostility and loneliness if you don't share your feelings with your partner. Merely sharing your stress, anxiety, and, most importantly, your desire with the one you love will go a long way towards adjusting your problem. When your partner knows and understands where you are coming from, they can be more empathetic to your concerns and struggles.
Exercise
Physically active people have better stamina and better sex for three reasons:
- Exercise stimulates hormone releases and triggers psychological reactions that bolster your libido.
- Emotional awareness of good health gives you a better perspective on life, which translates into improved sex.
- Exercise stimulates blood flow, including blood flow to your penis.
Sleep
Sleep is critical to good health, and it's just as crucial for a healthy sex life. Sleep reduces stress and helps keep your immune system healthy too. If you can't get a full night of zzz's, try a 30-minute power nap, and see how that boosts your energy and your drive.
Set the Mood
For most people, getting in the mood can't be turned on like a light switch. Set the mood with relaxing music, aromatic candles that stimulate the senses, and lighting that creates a dreamy atmosphere. Do something soothing before having sex, such as talking, playing a game, or massaging each other, which induces emotional well-being.
Supplements
Specific vitamins, minerals, and specialty herbs can boost your libido while keeping your reproductive system in good working order. Zinc, B-complex vitamins, and vitamin E are essentials.
Predoxen's Max Delay contains these powerful research-based ingredients shown to help improve sexual function. This same formula also has a proprietary blend of herbs, including ashwagandha, passion flower, and lemon balm, to help soothe your stress, and allow you to focus on being in the moment.
Whenever day-to-day stress makes your sex life suffer, keep these three things in mind:
- Expectations sometimes lead to failure.
- Failure can often be overcome with compassion and understanding.
- Understanding leads to more communication and a deeper awareness of your lover's needs.
Once you are both in the right frame of mind, you'll be well on our way to reversing your stress reaction and experiencing the full pleasure and satisfaction of a healthy and happy sex life.
Sources:
1. "The Stress-Sex Connection". 2020. Psychology Today. psychologytoday.com/us/blog/how-the-mind-heals-the-body/201412/the-stress-sex-connection#comments_bottom
2. Publishing, Harvard. 2020. "11 Ways To Help Yourself To A Better Sex Life - Harvard Health". Harvard Health. health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/11-ways-to-help-yourself-to-a-better-sex-life
