HOW HOLIDAY STRESS AFFECTS YOUR SEX LIFE AND WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT

Stress is harmful to your health. While stress has been there since the beginning of time, it appears that anxiety and the stresses of modern life have only grown over time. 

Although holidays are exciting, they come with a lot of stress, especially in planning and organizing the festivities. This stress has negative consequences in different areas of your life, including your sexual life. Stress may also weaken your immune system, making you more prone to sickness. It also leads to sleepless nights, as your mind constantly wanders over various problems. During these periods, your body and mind are primarily concerned with surviving. When stressed, your heart rate rises, and your body works overtime to maintain optimal functioning. At this point, less important things, such as sex, take a second seat.

Stress has an unusual way of manifesting itself. It has a more impact on your physical, mental, and relationship health than you may know. Here are some ways in which stress might affect your sexual life.

Stress and Your Hormones

When one is stressed, the body goes through a sequence of hormonal changes. The body secretes higher cortisol levels, which has a detrimental impact on a person’s libido and capacity to climax. Sex is an emotional experience for most men and women, and the brain functions as a potent aphrodisiac. Therefore, it’s easy for some people to equate stress with having fun with sex, which can activate stress responses and instinctive physical reactions.

Extreme stress can disrupt a woman’s menstrual cycle and can negatively affect a woman’s mood for sex. The hormone LHRH (Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone) is released when males are stressed. LHRH reduces luteinizing hormone production, impacting testosterone production. The hormone FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone), which helps the body produce sperm, is also released at a lower level when a person is stressed.

During stressful times, women’s LH (Luteinizing Hormone) levels are significantly lower than normal, negatively affecting their sex life. The secretion of prolactin, estrogen, and progesterone hormones also reduces, lowering arousal levels. Additionally, stress might interfere with a woman’s ovulation cycle by making fertilization more difficult.

Stress Contributes to Negative Body Image

The hormones secreted in response to stress can impact body metabolism. It might make people feel lousy and sluggish or gain weight. Less sex equals a lower self-image, causing relationship troubles. Our connection should, in theory, complement who we are rather than add to our stress levels. If people don’t take the time to maintain their relationships, they can become one of our largest worries.

Lessens Libido

Stress causes the release of more hormones, and while these are necessary chemicals, their overproduction can have a negative emotional impact and impede sexual lives. Cortisol is one of the main hormones released when stress levels are high. This hormone suppresses sex hormones and acts as the polar opposite of a libido booster when released in excessive amounts.

Erectile Dysfunction

Psychological issues, such as stress and worry, are frequently the cause of erectile dysfunction. For instance, an erection occurs when the brain sends a signal to the body to induce a physical response. Stress can alter how this communication is transmitted, reducing blood flow to the penis. This can make men feel self-conscious or embarrassed, leading to more stress and worsening erectile dysfunction.

Personal marital issues and professional stress are the leading causes of erectile dysfunction in middle-aged men.

Destructive Stress Relievers and Sex

There are many methods to help cope with stress. However, drinking as a stress reliever can negatively affect a person’s sex life. Excessive drinking can affect arousal, which affects the ability to get and maintain an erection in men and the ability to produce vaginal lubrication for women.

What You Can Do About Stress 

Stress has negative impacts on sex. However, stress can be controlled in various ways. Recognizing stress patterns and causes is the first step to getting positive results. Here are some ways people can reduce stress and improve the quality of their sex life.

Exercise

Exercise and other forms of physical activity increase the synthesis of endorphins, which are natural painkillers produced by the brain. These chemicals also improve sleep quality, which can reduce stress. Sweating increases the body’s circulation, thus positively influencing male and female sexual responses.

Prioritize Passion

Most people forget to engage in sex when under a lot of pressure. Sex can do wonders in elevating your mood and significantly lowering stress hormones. Always try to clear your mind off negative thoughts and make love to your partner. Frequent sex also comes with benefits to your mental health.

Sex or Climax Aren’t Necessary for Intimacy

Penetrative sex and climaxing shouldn’t be the end aim if stress affects your sex drive (or even if it isn’t).

Many other sexual practices can create sensations of relaxation and contentment. For instance, a sensual massage or reciprocal masturbation can help you relax, take your mind off things for some time, and get back into the swing of things. Therefore, if you are stressed, figure out the pattern and focus on reducing your stress. 

Conclusion

Numerous factors can trigger holiday stress, negatively affecting your sex life. Learning to cope with stress related to the holidays enhances your sex life. Don’t let the holiday stress impact your intimate moments with your lover. Use the tips above to ensure you mentally and physically combat stress for a more pleasurable moment with your lover.