Oh, sex drive – the ultimate double-edged sword of pleasure! It can make you feel like you're on top of the world one day, and then leave you feeling like something's wrong with you the next.
So, what is a sex drive anyway? Put simply, it's the desire or urge to engage in sexual activity. However, the amount of sex drive a person experiences can differ vastly from one person to another. There is no 'set' amount of sex drive, and it can change depending on a variety of factors such as stress levels, energy, relationship dynamics, and age.
Just like the ocean's tides, desire ebbs and flows in our lives. It's a natural rhythm that we need to learn to respect and understand. At times, our sexual desires may be strong and intense, while other times, they may be subtle and subdued.
For instance, sexual desire is often more intense in the beginning of a relationship, which is why it is also known as the "attraction phase," due to the high levels of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine flowing through the brain. These chemicals are part of the brain's seek-and-reward system that tells us that what we're seeking is good and worth pursuing.
In other words, imagine a night sky full of stars, each one shining and twinkling brightly. Suddenly, one star catches your eye, and you can't help but feel drawn to it. You feel a sense of excitement and curiosity, and you can't wait to explore more. That's what the attraction phase feels like. You're drawn to someone, and you can't help but be curious about them. You want to know more, to explore their mind and their body. It's a magical feeling that can set the stage for an incredible journey of discovery and intimacy.
The attraction phase can feel intense and all-consuming, with desire burning hot like a supernova. But as the relationship evolves and becomes more stable, it's like those two bodies have settled into a shared orbit, becoming a part of each other's constellations. There may be less fiery passion, but a deeper sense of intimacy and connection that feels like coming home. And just like a star, the initial burst of energy eventually dissipates, settling into a steady burn that can last for years to come. This shift may also result in a decrease in the frequency of sex, as the focus shifts from the initial thrill of the chase to the comfort and security of a lasting love.
This is why it's important to make an effort to keep things fresh and exciting in a long-term relationship. It's important to continue to explore new things together, both inside and outside of the bedroom. This could be as simple as trying new hobbies together, or taking a vacation to a new destination. The goal is to create new experiences and memories that will reignite the spark and bring back the excitement and novelty that our brains crave.
In addition to seeking novelty, it's important to also prioritize self-care and stress reduction. As stress can be a major buzzkill for your libido. When it comes to understanding the impact of stress on our sexual desire, it's important to recognize that the mind and body are not separate entities. They are intrinsically connected, and what affects one will ultimately affect the other. Chronic stress can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion, leaving us feeling depleted and uninterested in sex.
When we're constantly feeling stressed, our brain chemistry can get a bit out of whack. Our neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which are like the brain's little messengers, can become imbalanced. These are the chemicals that help regulate our mood, pleasure, and motivation. And when they're off, it can really mess with our mojo.
Feeling anxious or down can become the norm, and that can put a real damper on our libido and sexual function. But the impact of stress on our libido is not just physical. It can also have a significant emotional component. When we are stressed, we may feel more irritable, anxious, and less connected to our partner. This can lead to a breakdown in communication and intimacy, which are crucial components of a healthy sex life.
Just like stars in the universe, our relationships need to keep expanding and growing to avoid burning out. This is where exploring “self-expansion” activities can help. They are collaborative activities that involve both partners in a process that is novel and challenging. Engaging in these activities can help to reduce stress and increase intimacy between partners.
Self-expansion activities can be anything from taking a cooking class together to learning a new language or trying out a new sport, and yes exploring sex toys together. The key is to engage in something that is outside of your comfort zone and that you both find enjoyable. By focusing on the pleasure and excitement of this new experience, you may find that it opens up new channels of communication and strengthens your connection as a couple.
The benefits of self-expansion activities are manifold. They help to reduce stress by providing a fun and novel way to connect with your partner. This, in turn, can help to re-ignite the spark of passion that may have been lost and help boost confidence and communication together.
According to a study1, engaging in self-expansion activities with your partner can lead to higher levels of sexual satisfaction. By engaging in novel activities together, couples can discover new things about each other, which can lead to deeper emotional and physical connections.
The benefits of self-expansion aren't just short-lived either; they can keep the spark alive in your relationship for the long haul. And it's not just about feeling good in the moment - self-expansion leads to a higher likelihood of engaging in sex and feeling more satisfied with your sexual experiences.
It's important to remember that self-expansion activities should be a collaborative process. They should be something that both partners are excited about and can engage in together. This creates a sense of teamwork and shared accomplishment that can strengthen the bond between partners.
So remember, just like stars in the universe, our relationships need to keep expanding and growing to avoid burning out. By engaging in self-expansion activities, we can keep the spark alive and continue to grow as individuals and as a couple. So go out there and explore new things together, and let your love shine as bright as the stars in the sky!