There is no such thing as “normal libido” as every person’s sex drive is an individual matter; moreover, it’s not a constant.
However, if you notice that your interest in sexual activities is significantly lower than usual, you might get concerned. In fact, there are several causes for low libido in both men and women – from increased stress levels and hormonal changes to certain medications and other substances intake.
Fortunately, there are also ways to boost your sex drive naturally. Below, you will find a list of several ways to perk up your libido, ranging from managing anxiety levels, getting enough sleep, and allocating more time to foreplays to exercising more and trying sex therapy, among other things. Read on to improve your sex life!
Discover Sex Toys
Sex toys are designed to stimulate your senses during sex, and a wide range of products ensures that everyone will find something to their liking.
To boost your libido with sex toys, try some out and see what feels good for you. Opt for a model with a clitoral stimulator if you have a vagina and one with multi-speed vibration for a penis. It is also recommended to choose silicone toys as they are easy to clean, don’t smell, and last longer than plastic ones.
You might also try something that will add more variety to your sex life, e.g., browse through a broad range of Silicon Wives or bondage kits.
Stress Management
Stress and anxiety are the most common causes of low libido. When you are stressed, your mind is taken by the daily problems. On top of that, the stress hormones overwhelm your organism, including sexual hormones, so you don’t feel like having sex. As such, the best way to improve your sex drive is to confront your anxiety.
Depending on your problems and stress levels, you will have to address them accordingly. For example, in some cases, it might be enough to start meditating, exercising, and achieving the right work-life balance. However, some situations may require a consultation with a therapist. The worst thing you can do, though, is tiring ignoring your feelings.
Getting Enough Sleep
Good sleep is one of the basic but also essential things you need to keep your sex drive at your normal level. Sex might be pleasurable, but it also is a physical activity – if you’re tired and sleepy, you simply don’t feel like getting wild. Additionally, good sleep supports maintaining the right hormonal balance, including hormones responsible for your sex drive.
It is vital to stick to a healthy sleeping schedule. Avoid naps, and go to bed and wake up more or less at the same time every day. If you have trouble falling asleep, try reading for a while in bed, listening to relaxing music, or meditating.
Exercise More
There is a reason why all the doctors recommend regular physical activity. Exercise has a lot of benefits; it helps you get into shape, boosts your energy levels, relieves stress, reduces anxiety, and improves your memory functions, among other things. However, it’s also one of the most easily ignored pieces of advice, as many people claim they don’t have time for it.
In fact, exercise does not have to take up much of your time – 20 minutes of moderate-intensity workout at least five days a week is enough to make a difference. Remember that it’s more about regularity than intensity.
You can split it up into two sessions of 10-15 minutes each if you find that more convenient. Start with light exercises – it might even be walking back from work instead of commuting. Then, try increasing the intensity gradually so that your body can keep on working as your condition gets better. Physical activity will help you manage stress more effectively and reduce cortisol (the stress hormone), which will improve your mood and sleep patterns, and as such – your libido.
Take Your Time During Foreplays
While it often gets neglected, foreplay should be considered essential as it significantly influences your arousal. It should include enough kissing, touching, caressing (whatever works for you both) to make you and your partner ready and wanting.
Foreplay is a time to relax. Women usually can’t get as quickly aroused as men, so they’re at a loss here, while men often feel pressure to perform well during intercourse, which can prevent them from experiencing pleasure.
As such, if you feel like rushing through foreplay or skipping it entirely because you are too busy or stressed, you might want to take it slow and reconsider. If you don’t have much time, it might be better for your libido to simply be close and intimate with your partner without having sex and wait for a better moment.
Try Sex Therapy
Sex therapists are trained professionals who help their patients understand the reasons for their sexual problems. If you go to such therapy, you will work together to address your issues, whatever they might be. Sessions can be conducted individually or with both partners present, depending on your needs.
In general, sex therapy focuses on discovering one’s problems, expectations, and desires, improving communication between partners, and helping them understand each other better. It can help boost your sex life as communication is vital when it comes to sexual relationships. It involves talking about your issues as well as listening to your partner’s suggestions.
Add Some Spices to Your Diet
Spices have been used for centuries to add flavor to food, but the improved taste is not their only benefit. Some of them are widely known to enhance your sexual drive and improve general sexual functioning.
Chili peppers contain capsaicin, a substance that increases the blood flow to the genitals as well. It will intensify sexual arousal and help achieve an erection in men faster. Curry has similar effects, but it is more helpful for women. This is because curry contains turmeric, a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to improve sexual performance and female desire.
In Conclusion
Low libido can be caused by various factors – from stress and anxiety to hormonal imbalances or even medications. However, low libido is not always a result of a medical condition, and there are plenty of ways you can boost your sex drive without taking more meds. With these tips to manage stress, get enough sleep, exercise more, experiment, see a sex therapist, and add some spices to your diet, you can try to improve your libido naturally.
However, if the change is really significant and nothing seems to work, you might want to consult your doctor to see if it isn’t a sign of any underlying conditions.
