Mood Booster
One of the most well-known benefits of having regular sex is its ability to help boost your mood. A 2019 study, examined the relationship between intimacy with a partner and cortisol levels. Stress causes the body to release cortisol, a steroid hormone. Researchers have discovered that expressions of intimacy reduce cortisol levels in both men and women. When you engage in sexual activity, your body also releases feel-good hormones like oxytocin, endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine — all of which are linked with improved mental well-being and lower feelings of depression, irritability, and anxiety. Oxytocin has even been shown to help reduce stress levels and increase feelings of relaxation and security! Plus, when you experience an orgasm during sexual activity, it also triggers the release of other hormones that can leave you feeling more relaxed and content after intimacy is over.
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Feeling Connected
If you engage in sexual activity with someone you feel comfortable and secure with, it can usually create a greater sense of connection between you. A study conducted in 2012 found that couples who had intimate chats in bed, generally after sex, felt more connected and satisfied in their relationships. Sharing secrets and personal information with each other is key way to increase intimacy, and thus lead to more sexual desire for each other. This connection can be incredibly fulfilling for all parties involved, as it provides an opportunity for deeper emotional bonding between people who care about one another. Plus, these feelings extend beyond physical intimacy; being connected sexually can translate into stronger emotional connections outside the bedroom as well.
Improved Self-Confidence
Having frequent sex is also linked with improved self-confidence in both men and women alike. Research from the University of Texas, has shown that people who have regular sex tend to have higher self-esteem than those who do not. Sexual activity encourages us to open up our bodies and minds in ways that few other experiences do — which can lead us to feel more confident about ourselves overall. Plus, when we take risks sexually that are rewarded with positive feedback from our partner, this reinforces those positive behaviors and helps build our confidence over time. This confidence boost then carries over into other aspects of our lives as well; if we know there’s something we excel at intimately, then we’re likely going to apply this same attitude towards other areas of life too!
Better Sleep Quality
Finally, regular sexual activity can improve sleep quality. A study published in Frontiers in Public Health in March 2019 investigated the relationship between sexual activities, sleep quality, and sleeping time. An anonymous online survey was conducted with 778 adults. In the study, 71% of respondents reported improved sleep quality and 62% reported falling asleep faster after sex with a partner. In the case of masturbation, those numbers were 48% and nearly 45%, respectively. This is due to the combination of reduced stress levels and increased relaxation that comes with engaging in sexual activities on a regular basis. People who are well rested are more likely to be mentally healthy than those who are constantly tired or struggling with sleep deprivation.
As we can see, sex has incredible power when it comes to improving not just physical health but mental health too! Regular sexual activity helps us boost our moods by releasing happy hormones that lead us feeling calmer and more secure during times of stress or uncertainty. It also encourages greater connection between people which further contributes towards improved mental well-being by helping us foster healthier relationships with those around us while boosting self-confidence along the way! So don’t forget; having regular sex isn’t just fun—it’s great for your mental health too!
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