If the sunshine and balmy weather has left you feeling hot in more ways than one, you’re not alone.
Recent data analysed by Nature & Bloom found that the number of couples seeking advice on how to revive their sex life has dropped by a fifth (21%) – and it makes sense when you think about it.
Intimacy specialist Holly Robinson and sex therapist Bat Sheva Marcus, who are working with Nature & Bloom, chalk it up to science.
‘Sun promotes extra release of serotonin and dopamine; the “feel good” chemicals related to pleasure, blood flow and energy,’ they explained.
Plus, the excess vitamin D – which is known to improve mood and sexual satisfaction – definitely helps.
‘Add to this that your partner is likely perspiring more and therefore releasing pheromones that play a part in sexual attraction, and wearing less clothing to combat the heat, and it’s no surprise that couples need significantly less help getting it on in the summer,’ the specialists added.
That’s hot.
But if you’re not quite feeling the heat – or perhaps struggling to do anything about your increased libido – don’t worry, you’re definitely not an anomaly.
Nature & Bloom’s research found that, despite the sunshine, people are having less sex compared to last year.
This is likely to be down to stress and anxiety, given the state of, well, everything right now.
In fact, a recent survey conducted by the Mental Health Foundation found that 74% of people feel so stressed that they’ve been overwhelmed or unable to cope, so it’s no surprise if sex has been on the backburner for most.
‘You’ll never have a satisfying or intimate sex life if your day-to-day life is plagued by stress, chasing goals and anxiety,’ Holly explained.
People who feel very stressed, particularly at work, ‘often end up feeling disconnected from their bodies as they’re focusing on staying afloat mentally,’ she said.
‘This makes experiencing physical pleasure more difficult, leaving many – especially women resigned – to never climaxing during sex.’
As well as managing stress and anxiety naturally, Holly recommends trying supplements and aphrodisiacs, such as CBD, to get the wheels turning.
‘Aphrodisiacs, like CBD, can help reduce these mood-killing thoughts by allowing you to just focus on what feels good in the moment,’ she said.
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