SEX LIFE ADVICE DURING LOCKDOWN
Lockdown came with a lot of baggage, and couples’ sex lives were affected. Herein are important aspects to consider to boost your sex life during the pandemic, including practicing mindfulness, getting a sex toy, and trying masturbation.
Getting used to staying at home all day with your family during the lockdown sounded like a fantastic idea, and most people applauded the government for laying down such a rule. However, this period was difficult for couples because most people were not prepared for the mental exhaustion of being stuck indoors. For this reason, many people opted to spend most of their time on social media to learn how to survive the lockdown. During this period, most couples looked to sex therapists for advice on how to improve their sex lives. This article outlines the key tips for improving your sex life during a lockdown.
Tips to Boost Sex During Lockdown
Touch
people’s minds are wired to the need for physical and emotional connection. Depriving the body of this intimate need deprives one of life's greatest joys. Intentional touch can include cuddles on the couch while watching your favorite show, a spooning session before bed, or holding your partner's hands while taking the dog on a walk. According to Khajehei & Behroozpour (2018), these acts boost oxytocin levels in the body, lowering stress. You can even try to change some of the routines you are accustomed to. If you are used to dashing off the day with a "Bye, I will be home late today," replace that with a sensual morning kiss. Explore sexual and nonsexual acts of touch to boost intimacy between you and your partner.
Practice Mindfulness
Negativity stems from the brain, and it often finds its way into an individual’s sexual drive. The pool of negative emotions and feelings negatively impacts people’s sex lives. Therefore, it is essential to practice mindfulness before engaging in any sex act. Try to focus on what feels good and wade off the negative thoughts with a meditation session. If you lead a busy life and hardly find time to meditate, you should try savoring pleasure to find happiness in your day-to-day experiences. These experiences may include eating a nice meal or enjoying a mug of coffee every morning.
Practice Open Gratitude and Communication
Most people in relationships are afraid of saying what they want and desire. This lack of communication can lead to less intimacy and satisfaction. This is caused by the lack of sexual education that most people have when growing up. Sex is like the pivot of human existence because there would be no birthing of future generations without it. Therefore, it is important to voice what you feel, be it good or bad, during sex. Good communication is the door to a healthy relationship, especially during a lockdown, because bottling what you feel may result in depression or anxiety.
Get a Sex Toy
Incorporating a sex toy during your steamy sessions has several lifelong advantages regardless if you are in a committed or casual relationship. Choosing the right toy that generates immense pleasure for both partners is important in boosting intimacy. Sex toys also boost sexual performance by allowing lovers to explore their sexuality without fear of judgment. During a lockdown, some couples did not have the luxury of living together. This contributed to many not engaging in sexual activities. However, with sex toys, especially the wireless type, couples can engage in kinky activities without face-to-face interaction. Download the app on your smartphone, and control the sex toy from anywhere in the world.
Try Some Erotica
Erotica is the art aimed at sexual stimulation or arousal. Reading erotica allows you to learn about the different forms of sexual pleasure and puts you in a better position to try what feels good to you. Sex feels better when your mind is free from the daily hustles of the day. Reading detailed descriptions of sex is beneficial to you and your partner because your minds visualize what may feel good and what may not. According to Zillmann et al. (1982), reading and watching erotica material has been said to relieve stressful thoughts. It may also help you view your sex life more positively because your mind is woken and ready to get kinky.
Try Self-Masturbation
Kaestle & Allen (2011) noted that masturbation is the door that allows you to learn about your body intimately. Mindful masturbation is a transformative sexual act that allows you to get more in tune with your body. It involves touching your body seductively, slipping off your clothes in slow motion, and caressing yourself, resulting in an out-of-the-world sexual experience. Self-masturbation focuses on how your body reacts to pleasure while also allowing you to explore different ways you can climax on your own. You can also try masturbation with a partner but let them know what feels good and what doesn't. During these sessions, listen to your body and focus on the areas that feel the most sensations.
The Bottom Line
Spending time with your partner in the confines of your home is an exhilarating experience. You get to try things you both never had time for, but what happens when your sex life starts driving south? Low sexual desire may result from stress at work or in the relationship, which, if not handled, could lead to a break-up. If the lockdown hurts your relationship, it is best to go back to the drawing board and see what you can incorporate to save your relationship with this article as your guide. The points listed above could help your relationship because sex is the pivot of any long-lasting relationship.
References
Kaestle, C. E., & Allen, K. R. (2011). The Role Of Masturbation In Healthy Sexual Development: Perceptions Of Young Adults. Archives Of Sexual Behavior, 40(5), 983-994.
Khajehei, M., & Behroozpour, E. (2018). Endorphins, Oxytocin, Sexuality And Romantic Relationships. World J Obstet Gynecol, 7(2), 17-23.Zillmann, D., Pearl, D., Bouthilet, L., & Lazar, J. (1982). Television Viewing And Arousal. Television And Behavior: Ten Years Of Scientific Progress And Implications For The Eighties, 2, 53-67