Spotlight on Romance, Sex & Intimacy

These are hot topics, and so essential in a healthy romantic relationship.

Life can get stressful, and it can get so busy – which can mean that romance and sexual intimacy are pushed aside by work, family obligations, and less-than-optimum mental or physical health. Lockdown just exacerbates all of these issues. Many people are feeling a real lack of connection in their relationship with their partner.

But for our health, and for the health of our relationships, sex and intimacy are really important!

Top 10 Reasons Why Sex is Good for You!

1. Sex is a stress reliever

Sex can lower blood pressure and reduce stress. One study looked at women’s heart rates and cortisol levels as a measure of stress response. It found that women showed less stress after good sex with a partner. Emotional support alone didn’t have the same effect.

2. Sex boosts immunity

Good sexual health can mean better physical health. Having sex once or twice a week has been linked with higher levels of antibodies that can protect you from getting colds and other infections.

3. Sex burns calories

Thirty minutes of sex burns around 85 calories. That may not seem like much, but the more sex you have, the more you burn. Sex versus the gym… hmmm?

4. Sex improves cardiovascular health

Women who have more sex tend to have higher levels of estrogen, which protects against heart disease.

5. Sex boosts self-esteem

Sexual self-esteem can make you feel more connected in your relationship and can help you feel good about your body, increasing feelings of self-worth. Researchers at the University of Texas found that a self-esteem boost was one of 237 reasons people have sex!

6. Sex improves intimacy

Orgasm and having sex increases levels of oxytocin, the so-called love hormone. It helps us bond and build trust. Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and the University of North Carolina evaluated 59 premenopausal women before and after contact with their husbands or partners. They found that the more contact, the higher the oxytocin levels.

7. Sex temporarily reduces pain

As the hormone oxytocin surges, endorphins increase and pain decreases. So if your headache, muscle aches or PMS symptoms seem to improve after sex, go ahead and thank the oxytocin.

8. Sex strengthens pelvic floor muscles

Kegels anyone? Doing a few of these exercises during intercourse offers several benefits. Women have more pleasure; they’re strengthening their pelvic area and helping to minimize the risk of incontinence later in life.

9. Sex helps you sleep better

According to researchers, oxytocin released during orgasm also helps you catch more z’s. And that can come from solo sex or sex with a partner.

10. Sex fights aging

Sex is a form of exercise. And like most exercise, it burns calories and can battle the onslaught of aging. In fact, nursing home experts say they wish seniors would have more sex!

12 Common Reasons for Low Libido

From a lack of sleep to having too much to drink, low libido is caused by a number of physiological, emotional, and lifestyle factors. Here are 12 common issues that can lower our libido and ruin the mood: 

• Stress
• Depression
• Low self-esteem 
• Lack of sleep 
• Alcohol use
• Medications
• Drug use
• Erectile dysfunction
• Hormonal changes (including menopause – pre/peri/post)
• Illness
• Lack of time
• Relationship challenges 

So what do you do if your desire is lower than you would like it to be, or if you’re seeking new ways to connect with your partner physically and emotionally? Did you know that there are effective natural options to boost libido and ramp up your romance using the power of essential oils??

Essential Oils for Intimacy

Here are just a few of my favourite essential oils for intimacy:

• Rose supports serotonin regulation

• Neroli supports GABA regulation

• Whisper supports female sensuality & sexuality

• Jasmine supports dopamine regulation

I’d love to tell you more about the support oils can provide! My Romance, Sex & Intimacy Webinar is now available as an on-demand class – you can register here and complete the class on your own schedule!