A low sex drive can be influenced by many factors. Fortunately, there is something you can do about it,
Manage stress and anxiety
Stress and overwhelm felt from work, relationship issues or general life stresses impacts your libido. It can also lead to erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation. There are many things you can do to calm your mind and to get back into a relaxed state.
- Get out in nature
- Go for a walk
- Focus on a good sleep routine (ditch blue light from phone, TV etc. 2 hours before bed)
- Exercise regularly (30 minutes a day can be very beneficial)
- Speak to a counsellor or sex therapist
- Nourish your body with healthy foods (Mediterranean diet is great)
Improve your relationship connection
Looking at ways to reconnect with your partner is critical and important for a long lasting relationship. Here are some ways to reconnect.
- Plan a date night every fortnight
- Do something nice for your partner that speaks to their love language
- Enjoy activities with each other
- Develop ways to communicate better (get vulnerable and honest with how you are feeling)
- See a couple’s therapist
Diversify foreplay
Some call this outer play, instead of just focusing on intercourse, focus on sensual touching, oral sex, spooning and cuddling. By incorporating new sexual experiences, including sex toys this can increase desire. The purpose is to improve the novelty and spice things up.
Focus on sleep
Sleep is the foundation of health and vitality; without a good night sleep you don’t have the energy for the day. This then leads to a low libido and unhealthy habits. Set up a sleep schedule and ensure you wind down at night, magnesium is a great supplement to take at night to calm your nervous system and improve a more relaxed sleep.
Eat for success
Some foods can impact your libido and lead to erectile dysfunction. This includes processed foods, like white bread, sugar, deep fried foods, cakes, lollies, and biscuits. Eating a diet rich in vegetables, low in sugar, and high in lean proteins can help prevent cardiovascular disease and diabetes which impact your libido.
Herbal remedy's and supplements
There has not been substantial research into herbal supplements that help with libido, but some data is emerging showing improvements in libido incorporating the below:
- Maca
- Tribulus
- Gingko
- Ginseng
Exercise
Exercise has a range of benefits, but did you know it can also help with libido. A 2015 study of men who have undergone androgen depreciation therapy added regular exercise into their routine and found improvements in libido, ability to cope with body confidence and relationship issues.
Maintain a healthy weight
Research indicates overweight and obesity can lead to low sex drive and is also associated to hormonal factors including low testosterone. Being overweight has also been linked to low self-esteem which impacts sexual desire. It’s important to fall in love with looking after yourself, diet and exercise are a great start.
