10 Natural Tips for Healthy Sex
Enjoying Physical and Emotional Intimacy at Any Age
The health benefits of sex include a stronger immune system and less depression. To make sure you're enjoying physical intimacy, here are 10 tips for healthy sex.
"Men should have sex four times a week for optimum health," said Dr Mehmet Oz on the Oprah Winfrey show.
The benefits of physical and emotional intimacy for both men and women include stronger bones and muscles, less stress and depression, better memory and a stronger immune system. Four times a week may be a lot to ask for even the most loving couple – unless you have a little help.
10 Natural Tips for Healthy Sex
- Accept your sexuality. Millions of people – both men and women – aren’t comfortable with their sexuality, says Dr Marian Dunn of the Center for Human Sexuality. When you’re comfortable with physical intimacy, you can freely admit and explore your full range of sexual desires.
- Compromise with your partner. If you crave physical intimacy every night and your partner wants it once a month, you’ll need to meet in the middle. Being happy in your relationship involves openly discussing when and how often sexual intimacy happens. This natural tip for healthy sex requires honest discussion about different views on physical and emotional intimacy.
- Move your body. The more oxygen, fresh air, and movement you give your body during the day (walking, biking, swimming, chasing after your children), the more sexy you’ll feel overall. Physical and emotional intimacy is connected to how active you are during the day. Exercising doesn’t deplete energy, it gives it.
- Unwind before you hit the sheets. There’s nothing less sexy than worrying about bills, work, investments, or politics when you’re striving for a healthy sex life. This natural tip for healthy sex involves de-stressing before you go to bed. Have a bubble bath, snuggle with your partner, or go for a long walk. The less tense you are, the more you’ll enjoy emotional and physical intimacy.
- Use protection. If you’re with a new partner, make sure you’re protected against HIV or sexually transmitted diseases. Insist on good protection – or healthy sex won’t be yours.
- Practice being naked. This natural tip for healthy sex involves your self-esteem and self-confidence. If you feel awkward and embarrassed when you’re naked, you won’t enjoy your partner in bed. Repeat to yourself: “I don’t have to look perfect to enjoy sex!” Go to a nude beach or change in the dressing room at the pool, and get used to being around people when you’re nude. This will increase the physical and emotional intimacy in your relationship.
- Enjoy a healthy diet. Get away from the fast food, soda pop, and processed sugar! Did you see what happened to Morgan in Supersize Me?! Healthy fruits, veggies, grains, beans, and the occasional hunk of meat will make you feel better and more energetic. This natural tip for healthy sex can help you lose weight, too.
- Examine your prescriptions. If you have absolutely no appetite for sex, look into the medications you’re taking. Some, such as birth control pills or antidepressants, can inhibit your sex drive. Talk to your doctor about how your prescriptions are affecting your sexual desires. You may not be able to quit taking your prescription, but your doctor may offer additional tips for healthy sex that speak to your specific condition.
- Try new things. To fully enjoy physical and emotional intimacy with your partner, stay away from the routine! New toys, lingerie, places, or even foods can help spice up your love life and increase your desire. Physical intimacy at any age can be enhanced with a little variety.
- Laugh about it. Sue Johanson of the Sunday Night Sex Show gave George Stroumboulopoulos this advice on his show: Laugh about your sexual escapades with your partner. This natural tip for healthy sex helps reduce the embarrassment or awkwardness you may feel – and laughing with your partner increases feelings of connection.
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The copyright of the article 10 Natural Tips for Healthy Sex in Psychology is owned by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen. Permission to republish 10 Natural Tips for Healthy Sex must be granted by the author in writing.
