Sex. Let’s talk about sex and its benefits as part of the physical needs in the Ladder of Needs Psychology to feel ENRICHed. In this crazy virtual high-pace world do we spend enough time having intimate embodied experience? I definitely don’t. As a parent I have to find time for intimacy. I have to even plan for it sometimes. But when I found out about the benefits of sex, I changed my calendar priorities, cancelled a few social meetings and organised a few romantic trips with my sweetheart. And just before we headed off to one of them, I got a cold. Hmmm, I should have been quicker with that romantic trip-planning. Prevention is better than cure!
Did you know that sexually active people have better immune system to fight bacteria and viruses? Also they are more relaxed and have apparently better sleep, according to scientific research of the University of Pennsylvania and Clinic at Southern Illinois. That’s because endorphins and oxytocin are released during sex, and these feel-good hormones activate pleasure centers in the brain that create feelings of intimacy and relaxation and help stave off anxiety and depression. After orgasm, the hormone prolactin is released, which is responsible for the feelings of relaxation and sleepiness after sex, claims Sheenie Ambardar, MD, a psychiatrist in West Hollywood, Calif.
Sex even lowers blood pressure! One landmark study found that sexual intercourse specifically (not masturbation) lowered systolic blood pressure. That’s the first number on your blood pressure test. This would suggest it lowers the heart risk attack, according to Joseph J. Pinzone, MD. He is CEO and medical director of Amai Wellness.
Healthy sex life keeps your estrogen and testosterone levels in balance. This is very good news especially for those suffering hormonal imbalances. I once had too much of testosterone in my body resulting in abnormal masculine behavior and ‘competitive spirit’ as I thought. After some blood tests which proved my assumption that I had a lot of testosterone, I tried an increased sex routine, which was very much welcomed by my husband, and remarkably it lowered my testosterone level balancing the estrogens and I felt more feminine again and less ‘bossy’.
Sex also helps release physical pain. So before you reach for aspirin, try sex next time and see for yourself if it works.
And finally, some scientists argue that sex boosts self-esteem and happiness, too. So it’s not only a prescription for a healthy life, but for a happy life too!
To sum up, if you ever doubted, to have it or not with your partner tonight, have it!
Now, I would love to hear from you, how do you make your sex life more frequent? Are there any tricks I can learn from you to apply myself and share with my clients? Text me, write to me. I look forward!
Until the next post, stay ENRICHed.
Love,
Darya