Did you know that sex can be really healthy for your body, mind and spirit? If you are connected with a partner and both are freely choosing to be together, the actual physical act of sexual contact can actually be beneficial to your health.
Here are 6 ways that sex can really boost your physical health and your mood at the same time.
(1) Sex, as a physical activity, burns calories. One sexual rendezvous of about 1/2 hour could burn about 85 calories. Of course, a more vigorously active sexual encounter might burn more and a very passive interaction might burn less. But it beats stuffing your face with chocolate cake or a pound of ice cream.
(2) Sex may temporarily relieve those nagging aches and pains that many of us have. Touching and caressing and having an orgasm release hefty amounts of the hormone Oxytocin, the cuddle hormone. The more actual physical contact, the higher the level of oxytocin. This, in turn, triggers the release of those feel good endorphins that help to make all the pain go away as our cells are bathed in a sense of soothing calm.
(3) Sex reduces our level of stress, lowers blood pressure and improves circulation. One study, published in the Biological Psychology Journal found that having intercourse regularly may actually lower diastolic blood pressure in both men and women who cohabit while other research found that just the act of hugging could lower blood pressure in women,.
(4) Sexual activity, at least once or twice a week, can improve your immune system functioning. Such regular sexual activity has been associated with higher levels of lgA (Immunoglobulin A), an antibody which can help the body to resist catching colds and other infections.
(5) Sexual activity can help you to sleep better at night. The endorphins that relax you and the oxytocin that calms your spirit may be just what you need to finally get enough sleep after a stressful day or week. Sleep has been shown to be very important for your overall health, helping you to maintain bodily functions such as digestion, circulation and keeping your body at a healthy weight.
(6) Sex improves your sense of self, your self-esteem and may help to create and sustain intimacy. Unless your partner has an abusive and nasty streak, usually the act of sexual intercourse creates a level of harmony, trust and good feelings between two people. The hormones that are flowing help you to communicate tenderly and to enjoy the bonding process. If you want your partner to do something for you or buy you a special gift, in the peak of a sexual experience he or she will probably be much more generous and willing than at other times.