Like to give your love life a boost and have sex at the best possible time? We ask the experts about the scenarios that’ll power up your passion…
Here are 5 instances where sex is always a good idea
In a five-star hotel
Distractions at home – chores, the school run, bills – can put a dampener on our libido and make you disinterested in sex. Plus, familiarity, that passion-killer of long-term relationships, can make you and your partner blind to what attracted you to each other in the first place. “Schedule in some ‘couple time’ together, such as a weekend away, where you can be intimate without the distractions,” says sex therapist Peter Saddington.
A study of just over 1 000 people found that 74% of couples have sex at least once every other day when on holiday, compared with 19% of couples reporting the same frequency while at home. Plus, the novelty of a new setting helps you recognise what turned you on to begin with. “Women rarely put themselves first, so getting away from it all allows you to tune in to and address your needs, making room for great sex,” according to psychotherapist Abigail Eaton-Masters. Just don’t forget to hang the “Do not disturb” sign on your door!
When your alarm goes off
“Your energy levels are likely to be at their peak first thing, as the stresses of the day have yet to begin,” says Abigail. “Plus, morning sex can really keep you feeling emotionally engaged with your partner.” And, as most of us know, men’s testosterone levels are higher in the morning, says Peter.
ALSO SEE: 5 ways to make married sex more fun
Before a big work presentation
On the day of a testing work event, making love dissipates nerves. At Scotland’s Paisley University, researchers asked 24 women and 22 men to keep sex diaries before a stress test. Participants who had sex on the morning of the test were found to be less stressed, and their blood pressure returned to normal faster than those who hadn’t. “During sex, your body releases ‘happiness chemicals’ dopamine and endorphins, which make you feel relaxed ahead of doing something nerve-racking,” says Peter.
When you have a headache
Counter-intuitive, yes, but sex can be a pain reliever. Research from the University of Münster in Germany found that more than half of migraine sufferers who had sex during an episode experienced an improvement in symptoms – and one in five patients were left with no pain at all. “It’s down to the release of endorphins that can reduce pain,” says Peter.
ALSO SEE: Common causes of migraines and how to treat them
After your sun salutations
Post-workout is a great time for sex. “You’re likely to have a positive body image after a workout, and good sex usually starts in the mind,” says Abigail. Also, physical activity increases blood flow, and pumps adrenaline around your body, which can make you feel like getting it on.
Yoga can enhance sexual function and satisfaction in women, according to a study in The Journal of Sexual Medicine. Researchers asked 40 healthy women to complete a sex questionnaire before and after a 12-week yoga programme – at the end, there were improvements in the women’s desire and sexual satisfaction.
And a University of Texas study compared women’s reactions to erotic material after a 20-minute bike ride. They found that blood flow to their genital region was 169% higher after a workout. One more reason to pull on your workout gear!
ALSO SEE: The new fitness trend that promises quick results
By writer, Christina Quaine
