Everyone is spending more time at home and, for many of us, that means spending a lot more time with partners. But, when you’re around someone 24 hours a day for weeks on end, things can get a little tense. Everyone is getting stir crazy and the things that we brushed off in the past are now leading to arguments and stress.
If quarantine is getting you down and you’ve binge watched the entire Netflix catalogue, there’s a solution to de-stress and ease the tension. It’s time to get it on!
Quarantine Sex?? Healthy Body, Healthy Mind
Consensual sex is healthy — it feels good, brings you closer to your partner, and it relieves stress! In fact, science has proven that having sex regularly does more than fix momentary stress. It can actually reduce the amount of tension you feel long term.
So why does sex help decrease your stress? First, it reduces stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. At the same time, sex stimulates natural mood boosters like endorphins and oxytocin. These chemicals naturally occur in your brain and can help you feel more relaxed and less anxious.
Sex does more than just make you feel all warm and fuzzy — it can also help boost your immune system. Studies have shown that people who were having sex just once or twice a week had higher levels of antibodies that help fight off illnesses. Regular sex is also good for your heart rate, blood pressure, and circulation.
Don’t really feel like getting down? You’re not the only one — especially during quarantine. But you can still give your mental and physical health a little boost. A cuddle session or just making out have been shown to improve your mood and contribute to good heart health.
Sex and COVID-19 Quarantine
As long as you and your partner are both healthy and have been abiding by recommendations for social distancing from others, you’re good to go! But, if either of you start feeling sick, it’s a good idea to cool things down until you’re better.
If you’re not quarantining with a partner or you don’t have a partner, you’re not out of luck! There are plenty of safe ways to enjoy sex even if you’re riding out quarantine alone. From phone sex to steamy solo sessions, you can get all the benefits of mood boosting hormones from the comfort and safety of your own home.
Whatever your relationship status is, remember that it’s totally okay if you’re not in the mood. There’s a lot of uncertainty and fear and tons of people are experiencing lackluster libido in response to the pandemic and its impacts on relationships, jobs, and daily life.
If you don’t feel like getting it on, talk to your partner honestly about how you’re feeling about sex. And don’t forget there are other ways to be intimate without having sex. Cook a nice dinner together and enjoy a night free from screens or enjoy non-sexual touch with cuddling or dancing.
We could all use a little stress relief now more than ever. If you’re starting to get cabin fever during quarantine, it’s time to heat things up in the bedroom. And remember to practice safe sex, whether you’re getting intimate with a partner or going solo (and not just during a pandemic)!
Sarah Nelson is a nurse with 15 years of experience working with a variety of patients. She has a Masters of Science in Nursing and has spent a large portion of her career working exclusively with women in an OB/GYN setting.
Nursing is a passion for Sarah but she also enjoys writing and sharing her expertise online with people who need helpful information. Treating patients well and helping them learn more about their own bodies is a key essential to a healthy lifestyle that Sarah truly believes in.