Anxiety and depression are increasingly common, and people are always looking for natural ways to boost their mood. Well, here’s one you may not have considered: sex. Yes, that’s right – having sex acts as a natural antidepressant and can help alleviate symptoms of both anxiety and depression. The hormones released during sex, especially orgasm, act as natural mood boosters. Your body is flooded with dopamine, the “feel-good” hormone, as well as oxytocin, the “love hormone,” both of which act as natural stress relievers.
The Link Between Sex and Reduced Stress and Anxiety
When you get intimate with your partner, your brain releases chemicals that act as natural antidepressants and anxiety relievers. These chemicals are, namely Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin and Endorphins (D.O.S.E.) which act as natural mood boosters.
• Dopamine, known as the “feel-good” hormone, floods your brain during sexual activity, giving you a rush of pleasure and joy. This triggers feelings of pleasure and satisfaction, elevating your mood and acting as a natural antidepressant.
• Oxytocin, the “love hormone”, is also released, which promotes feelings of affection, attachment and closeness with your partner. This hormone has been shown to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression.
• Serotonin, the “happy hormone” and natural mood stabiliser. By balancing your hormones and neurotransmitters, sex can also reduce the stress hormone cortisol, and ease symptoms of anxiety or depression.
• Endorphins, your body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators, are also pumped out during sex. Like morphine, endorphins interact with receptors in your brain to reduce pain and boost positive feelings.
In essence, sex leads to a cascade of chemical reactions in the brain that work together to help boost your mood and mental well-being. While sex may not cure anxiety or depression, it can certainly help alleviate symptoms and make you feel good thanks to this natural antidepressant effect. So, if you’re feeling down or worried, consider spending some quality time between the sheets with your partner.
Regular Sex Can Improve Your Mood and Alleviate Depression
Regular sexual activity has some surprising mental health benefits. Studies show that sex can act as a natural antidepressant by releasing feel-good hormones that improve your mood and alleviate symptoms of depression.
• Improves Self-Esteem: Having sex regularly makes you feel desired and confident in yourself and your abilities. This boost in self-esteem and confidence can help combat negative thoughts and the low mood associated with depression.
• Better Sleep: The release of hormones during and after sex, especially oxytocin, promotes relaxation and sleepiness. Improved sleep quality and adequate amounts of sleep are essential for mood regulation and the treatment of depression. Sex could be a natural sleep aid that helps you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly.
Sex as Exercise Provides Mental and Physical Health Benefits
Sex provides good exercise for your heart and muscles. It can lower your blood pressure and heart rate, improving your heart health and stamina. The physical exertion from sex burns calories, which can help with weight loss and toning.
The increased intimacy and closeness from sex can strengthen your emotional and psychological bond with your partner. Cuddling, kissing, and physical touch release oxytocin, which promotes feelings of affection and closeness. Having a strong, intimate connection with your partner can help reduce anxiety, ease symptoms of depression, and lead to greater happiness and satisfaction in the relationship. Regular sex with a committed partner, in particular, has significant benefits for both physical and mental well-being. It can absolutely help as a natural mood booster and stress reliever, as well as strengthen your connection with your partner.
Tips for Using Sex to Boost Your Mood and Mental Health
Here are some tips for enhancing your mental wellbeing through intimacy:
• Focus on Foreplay: Don’t rush into intercourse. Engage in lengthy foreplay like kissing, caressing, and oral sex. This helps release oxytocin, the “love hormone,” which reduces stress and boosts happiness.
• Try New Positions: Experiment with different positions and techniques. Novelty activates the reward centre in your brain, flooding it with feel-good chemicals like dopamine. This stimulation also serves as a distraction from worries and negative thoughts.
• Be Present: Make eye contact, focus on your senses, and connect emotionally with your partner. Being fully present in the moment has antidepressant effects. It helps quiet your mind and increases feelings of intimacy.
• Cuddle Afterward: Cuddling, touching, and pillow talk after sex prolongs the mood-boosting benefits. Skin-to-skin contact in particular triggers the release of oxytocin, which promotes feelings of calm and contentment.
• Masturbate When Needed: Don’t rely solely on a partner for sexual release. Masturbation also leads to a spike in feel-good hormones that improve your state of mind. It’s a safe way to relieve stress and boost confidence in your own sexuality.
While sex alone may not cure clinical depression, maintaining a healthy sex life along with other lifestyle changes and treatments can help boost your mood and ease symptoms. Before reaching for those antidepressants or anti-anxiety meds, try reconnecting intimately with your partner. The feel-good hormones released during sex can help boost your mood and ease worries, providing a natural high without the side effects. While sex may not cure chronic conditions, it can certainly help take the edge off and provide temporary relief from symptoms. You’ll also strengthen your bond with your partner in the process. Talk to your doctor about safe ways to use sex as part of an overall treatment plan for depression or anxiety.
