Spring is in the air—and with it? Sex, of course! (There’s a reason, after all, that rabbits mate this time of year.)
As luscious as this may sound, sex can be daunting—or a total turn-off—for some women, and for various causes. Trauma, the onset of menopause, a hormone imbalance, chronic stress, social stigmas regarding gender and sexuality, aging—all can greatly affect a person’s capacity to experience the pleasure that is, in the end, their birthright.
Indeed, a lack of libido, for whatever the cause, robs a woman—or
any individual—of feeling what Sheilah Graham calls the “inner exuberance that erupts through the skin and joins the energy that creates the world.”
Does a dearth of sexual drive sound familiar? Know that you’re not alone.
Studies show that approximately a third of women in the U.S. reports low sexual desire and interest.
Is this problematic? One hundred percent. Sex is a cornerstone of a life well-lived, in that it’s not only delightful but also provides a host of
health benefits. These include:
- Increased immunity
- Improved heart health
- Decreased anxiety and depression
- Sounder sleep
- Lower blood pressure
- Better self-esteem
- Immediate—and wholly natural—pain relief
Intrigued, or feeling that your own libido may be suffering? Here are four smart and organic ways to boost your sexual
oomph.
1. Harness the power of your mind
Sex may take place between the sheets—or wherever suits you—but desire starts in the mind. Indeed, studies show that emotional health hinders libido more than even hormones. To flip the switch on your sex drive through the power of your mind, consider the following techniques:
2. Enhance in advance
In our modern world, many couples are separated on a daily basis by work, children, caring for elderly parents, appointments, social events—you name it. While this may sound like a disadvantage, you can use it
to your advantage.
Why—and how?
Humans are often distinguished from other mammals because of our exquisite capacity for delayed gratification. Meaning, we can imagine superbly enjoyable experiences well in advance. In fact, doing so may
enrich your sexual experience.
Utilize text messaging, or good old-fashioned notes. Picture how you want your encounter to play out, and tell your partner about it. Allow the anticipation to intensify your ultimate connection.
3. Communicate wisely
For many couples, there is a direct link between the quality of their communication and the excellence of their sex life. By sharing your intimate thoughts with your partner—and I mean genuinely intimate thoughts, rather than issues like paying bills and household functions—you will likely grow and evolve together. In doing so, you may discover a stronger relationship in general—and a more satisfying sex life.
4. Support your right brain
Your brain is bicameral. This means it’s composed of two “houses,” or halves. Each possesses functions that deliver a unique perspective of the world.
Your left hemisphere is more logical and linear. Your right, though? It’s more intuitive; more in tune with your emotions and, well,
non-linear. Many women snagged in the busy, busy world of day-to-day tasks operate primarily from their left brain but have lost touch with the holistic, nourishing potential of their right brain.
This is imperative to consider, as tapping into the right side of your brain can help you maintain a balanced life, improve your sense of self-worth, and nurture your ability to have a healthy intimate relationship.
Art, music, meditation, dance,
yoga—essentially any form that prompts spontaneity and play—can assist you in reaching this realm.
5. Eat well
Diet is at the crux of a wholesome life, to say nothing of a flourishing libido. I don’t mean diet as in Keto or Paleo; I mean what you consume on a daily basis. And let’s face it: There’s nothing sexy about eating foods that don’t bolster your well-being; that, in fact, may work against you.
To this end, eschew GMOs and endeavor for
organic, local eats. Cut out refined sugar, alcohol, caffeine, dairy and gluten. Strive for smart carbs to sustain your energy and libido—such as brown rice—eat high-quality lean protein, pile your plate with
omega-3 fats, and focus on items of and from the earth, like leafy greens, fresh fruit and
nuts.
Additionally, consider what’s come to be known as
superfoods. Hemp, for example, can stimulate your desire, in that it’s rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which, studies reveal, can reduce inflammation and diminish the effects of menopause—and for many women, menopause shrinks sexual energy. Chia seeds, meanwhile, naturally support proper blood sugar levels, which can be a boon for carnal vibes.
6. Do the “sex-flex”
Pelvic health is synonymous with a bolstered libido and supreme sexual satisfaction. Why, you may ask? Because your pelvic floor is intricately linked to your mind and nervous system.
Strengthening, firming, stretching and releasing your pelvic muscles—yes, there are muscles down there!—enhance sex and encourage pleasure.
While a number of
pelvic floor exercises exist, Kegels are, perhaps, one of the most timeworn—and effective. They help lift, tone and build your inner pelvic muscles, thereby prepping you for, well, a great lay in the hay.
To do a Kegel, tighten the muscles you would use to cease the flow of urine, and then release.
These exercises can be performed rapidly, or slowly—and, bonus points, anywhere or anytime. (Just think of those traffic jams on your commute.) By practicing them frequently, you’ll get in touch with your nether regions—and, most likely, experience a heightened sex drive.
7. Supplement wisely
From
dark chocolate to oysters, aphrodisiac foods abound (they also taste mighty delicious too.) And yet, a number of supplements can also help you stoke your libido.
Multivitamins can be hugely beneficial in provoking your libido, in that they give your body the nutrition it needs to help eliminate toxins that may be obstructing your sexual health and vitality.
Flax oil assists with elimination as well, while
probiotics organically “buoy” a robust libido by urging the growth of other bacteria in your intestinal walls, help shield your intestines from pathogens, and lend a hand, if you will, in making nutrients. Translation? Greater vivacity—and profounder passion.
