Stress and sex drive: Life is complicated, and it does get busy. Juggling between deadlines, bills, families and endless to-do lists, it’s no wonder that stress is present in every aspect of our lives, including the bedroom.
Stress has a sneaky way of messing with your mind, your mood, and, yes, your libido. Everyday stress can have a huge impact on your sex drive, which can, in turn, cause trouble in your relationship.
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Effect of stress on sexual drive:
- Hormonal disturbance: Stress releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. When cortisol increases in the body, it can suppress reproductive hormones like testosterone and oestrogen, which are crucial for sexual longing in both men and women.
- Mental distress: Anxiety and stress can make it difficult for the mind to focus on intimacy or feel emotionally connected.
- Troubled relationship: Stress can cause irritability and withdrawal, which often leads to communication problems. A lack of proper communication can feel like an emotional distance from your partner.
- Exhaustion: Chronic stress or anxiety can lead to burnout, making sex feel more like a chore than for actual pleasure.
- Body image issues: For most people, binge eating or emotional eating is a way to cope with stress. However, this can often lead to weight gain issues. When those extra kilos start playing on your mind, it changes the way you feel about your body and your willingness to get intimate with your partner.
- Performance pressure: When individuals feel the need to “perform” or meet unrealistic expectations, whether from a partner, past experiences, or societal ideals, it can create intense anxiety around intimacy. This pressure activates the body’s stress response, making it difficult to relax, feel aroused, or stay present in the moment.
How to keep stress at bay and improve your libido:
Below are some practical and healthy steps that can be taken to restore balance in your body and relationship:
- Prioritise your sleep schedule: Getting enough restful sleep helps regulate your hormones and also restores libido.
- Stress management: Practice mindfulness, meditation or deep breathing to lower stress hormones. Exercising regularly can help improve mood and reduce cortisol levels.
- Communication with your partner: An open, honest communication with your loved one can reduce emotional tension and increase intimacy. One should not be afraid to talk about how stress is affecting one’s sex drive.
- Prioritise connection, not just sex: Focus on emotional intimacy like holding hands, talking, etc. Keep the performance pressure aside and focus on being present in the moment with your partner.
- Schedule intimacy: Planning a specific time for intimacy can make it a priority rather than an afterthought, especially in busy lives.
- Seeking professional help: Therapy or counselling (individual or couple) can help manage stress and bring back intimacy into your life.
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Feeling less desired during stressful times is more common than you’d think, and it’s not a sign that something’s wrong. With the right support and habits, you can take care of both your mental well-being and your intimate connection.