Sexual activity, with someone or through masturbation, can provide important psychological and emotional benefits.
Similar to exercise, sex can help reduce stress and anxiety and make you feel happier overall.
According to Health Line, studies suggest that sexual activity may correlate with:
Sex relieves stress
It is well known that stress can cause serious health problems.
Stress is largely the result of many interacting psychological factors and can vary significantly from person to person.
Still, it can cause all sorts of health problems, from mild headaches, trouble sleeping and muscle tension to more serious problems like a poorly functioning immune system and chronic depression.
There is evidence that being close to your partner (physically and emotionally) can reduce stress levels. Physical intimacy can trigger the release of all kinds of brain chemicals, including:
After an orgasm, the body releases the hormone prolactin, which often leads to drowsiness and a general feeling of relaxation. Comfort, which ultimately leads to sleep, is a common post-orgasmic response.
In fact, one study found that having sex every day for a full fortnight reduced anxiety.
There is also evidence that regular sex lowers stress-related blood pressure.
Sex boosts self-confidence
Frequent sexual activity, whether with a partner or alone, can make you look younger.
This is partly due to the release of estrogen during sex.
A study found a link between more frequent sexual activity and significantly younger appearance. The majority of these individuals also felt comfortable expressing their sexuality.
Sex has social benefits
Sex can help you bond better with your partner. Oxytocin can play a role in the development of relationships, and of course, consistent, mutual sexual pleasure helps bond within a relationship.
Couple partners often have increased relationship satisfaction when they fulfill each other’s sexual desires.
You can see positive growth in your relationship when you are able to express yourself and your sexual desires.
Sex may not be a one-size-fits-all solution to all psychological problems, it can affect how we measure our own mental health and how we can improve it.
See if you can’t use sex to not only feel closer to your significant other, but to be more in tune with yourself and your body.
Your mind will thank you.
