Stress is a person’s physical and psychological reactions to life’s demands and challenges. It’s a natural part of life and it can be both positive and negative. Eustress is the positive stress we might experience when we plan a wedding or have a baby. Distress is the negative stress we might feel when we lose a job or end a relationship. Regardless of the type we experience, stress can trigger our “fight or flight” response. If not managed in healthy ways, stress can negatively affect our sleep, weight, mood, immune system and sexual desire.
Some healthy ways to managing stress include meditation, deep breathing, yoga, exercise, etc. But you might not know that sex can also be a healthy way to manage your stress. So, in honor of Stress Awareness Month, here are some ways sex can be a great stress reliever:
1. Deep breathing – When you are having sex, you are definitely breathing deeper. Deep breathing can trigger the relaxation response and help lower stress in your body.
2. Mindfulness – Mindfulness means focusing one’s awareness on the present moment and attending to certain body parts and responses (including thoughts and feelings), without judgment. Mindfulness is not only relaxing, it also reduces anxiety and stress. Practicing mindful sex, focusing fully on the pleasurable sexual sensations in your body, can provide the same stress reducing effect.
3. Relaxation – After having an orgasm, a warm wave of relaxation spreads over your body. Stress and tension are gone…enough said!
4. Touch – Sexual touch from a lover is not only arousing, but can also be incredibly soothing, healing and stress relieving.
5. Exercise – Depending on how intense the sexual activity is, sex could be considered a form of exercise. Not only does it provide some cardio, sex tends to work a variety of different muscle groups, which can help work out tension and decrease stress. Sex also releases endorphins which also helps reduce stress.
6. Emotional Intimacy – Sexual contact, especially when it results in orgasms, releases a hormone called oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone.” It helps people feel closer and more intimate, and helps solidify the bonds of a romantic relationship.
7. Recreation – Engaging in recreational activities that are fun and entertaining can help reduce stress. Remember that sex can and should be fun. It’s something you do together for each other’s enjoyment and fulfillment. So have some fun and reduce your stress!
Stress is a person’s physical and psychological reactions to life’s demands and challenges. It’s a natural part of life and it can be both positive and negative. Eustress is the positive stress we might experience when we plan a wedding or have a baby. Distress is the negative stress we might feel when we lose a job or end a relationship. Regardless of the type we experience, stress can trigger our “fight or flight” response. If not managed in healthy ways, stress can negatively affect our sleep, weight, mood, immune system and sexual desire.
Some healthy ways to managing stress include meditation, deep breathing, yoga, exercise, etc. But you might not know that sex can also be a healthy way to manage your stress. So, in honor of Stress Awareness Month, here are some ways sex can be a great stress reliever:
- Deep breathing – When you are having sex, you are definitely breathing deeper. Deep breathing can trigger the relaxation response and help lower stress in your body.
- Mindfulness – Mindfulness means focusing one’s awareness on the present moment and attending to certain body parts and responses (including thoughts and feelings), without judgment. Mindfulness is not only relaxing, it also reduces anxiety and stress. Practicing mindful sex, focusing fully on the pleasurable sexual sensations in your body, can provide the same stress reducing effect.
- Relaxation – After having an orgasm, a warm wave of relaxation spreads over your body. Stress and tension are gone…enough said!
- Touch – Sexual touch from a lover is not only arousing, but can also be incredibly soothing, healing and stress relieving.
- Exercise– Depending on how intense the sexual activity is, sex could be considered a form of exercise. Not only does it provide some cardio, sex tends to work a variety of different muscle groups, which can help work out tension and decrease stress. Sex also releases endorphins which also helps reduce stress.
- Emotional Intimacy – Sexual contact, especially when it results in orgasms, releases a hormone called oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone.” It helps people feel closer and more intimate, and helps solidify the bonds of a romantic relationship.
- Recreation – Engaging in recreational activities that are fun and entertaining can help reduce stress. Remember that sex can and should be fun. It’s something you do together for each other’s enjoyment and fulfillment. So have some fun and reduce your stress!
If you said “Yes”, we can’t imagine why… It’s not like everyone is rushing around, trying to get caught up at work and at home, preparing for the holidays, shopping too much, eating too much, dealing with their family “stuff” all while trying to manage the extra financial stress…right?
This is a very stressful time of the year for many people. So much is going on. Some things feel completely out of their control. During times like these, it’s best to focus on things you DO have control of such as how you choose to cope with this extra stress. Here are 6 tips to help you cope:
1. Think positively – Stress has the tendency to lead to negative and anxious thinking. Negative and anxious thinking leads to negative and anxious feelings. The more negative and anxious we feel, the more negative and anxious thoughts we get. You get the idea. It becomes a negative cycle. So, instead, focus your attention and energy on positive thoughts. Make a list of what you enjoy about the holidays and the positive things in your life. Do positive affirmations daily, read positive books, listen to uplifting songs , etc.
2. Stay in the here and now – Stress can also get us to think too much about the future or the past. We do not have control over either of these. Try to stay in the here and now…what you do have control of. Remember the famous quote by Bill Keane: “Yesterday’s the past and tomorrow’s the future. Today is a gift – which is why they call it the present.”
3. Relax – Schedule time for yourself to unwind and relax. What eventually happens to a battery that doesn’t get recharged? You will not be helpful to anyone else if you are completely drained. Take time to recharge your battery!
4. Have fun – Schedule some quality time and fun with your partner. You don’t want that battery to die either! PS, great sex is a wonderful and fun stress reliever!!!!
5. Say no and ask for what you need – And finally, learn to say no to avoid becoming overcommitted and to ask for what you need. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your partner, friends, or family, if needed. You do not have to do it all by yourself!
6. Be Grateful – Before you go to bed, create a gratitude list. Make a list of everything you appreciate and are grateful for in your life. Again, you’ll surprise yourself at how many blessings you have to count.
We hope this helps. We wish you and your family a very relaxing, safe, and blessed holiday! Until next year…