#HealthBytes: 7 natural ways to improve your sex drive
A satisfying sex life results in overall emotional, physical, and mental well-being of a couple. Low libido or lack of sex drive is one of the biggest hindrances in getting satisfied in bed. Although it commonly affects older couples, age is not the only factor. If you've not been feeling up to it lately, here are 7 natural ways to help improve your sex-drive.
Diet: What to eat, what not to eat
You sure love that plate overloaded with your favorite French fries, burgers, and a can of coke by the side, but it could be ruining your sexual appetite. Fried, salty, and even excessively sugary foods are bad choices if you desire good action in bed. For optimum sexual drive, a balanced diet (with certain must-haves like avocados, watermelons, seafood, and dark-chocolates) should be preferred.
Exercise regularly and religiously
Although upping your bedtime prowess might not be the reason you joined gym for, in the first place, but regular exercise can, in fact, help empower your sex drive. This is so because exercise improves flexibility, enhances blood pressure, boosts mood, and gives you better muscle strength and endurance. Some simple exercises to try for upping libido are Yoga, kegels, and swimming.
Practise alternate forms of intimacy
At times, taking the focus off the climax can help. Couples who feel a reduced sense of sexual desire are advised to practise alternate forms of intimacy. These could be anything from mutual massage to showering together, cuddling or even going on a date (yes!). This will help improve the emotional equation between the partners, ultimately resulting in better sex.
Indulge in foreplay: After all, what's the hurry?
Above all things, sex has to be enjoyable. This implies that reaching the orgasm shouldn't be your goal- extracting pleasure should be. And for that, foreplay is crucial. Go slow, and indulge in kissing, touching, or whatever that gets you turned on, in order to set the right mood for the climax.
Sexual communication: Talk it out
Sexual communication is vital. In long-term relationships, couples might start taking each other's likes and dislikes for granted. But unfortunately, doing so doesn't help. It is imperative to consistently communicate about what you would and wouldn't like your partner to do, in bed. If done right, sexual communication will help you have more satisfying and safer sex.
Say goodbye to stress
If work deadlines keep you up at nights, chances are your cortisol levels are high. Cortisol is a total mood-killer and might harm testosterone and other hormonal production in body, keeping you from getting excited in bed. Try relaxing activities like yoga and meditation to calm yourself down, and get your libido back on track again.
Get proper rest
A common problem among couples is that after a long day at work, they feel too tired for any action in the bedroom. Lack of sleep and sleeping disorders might be responsible for your loss of interest in sex. Get enough sound sleep each day, to maintain healthy libido. In case you can't find a solution, consult your doctor.
In the end, just remember to have fun!
At the end of the day, remember that sex is no competition, with anyone. As long as you and your partner are happy with what you're doing in bed, that's all that matters. So, be playful and try new things.