Since the dawn of time, we've viewed the brain and the genitals as opposing forces, forever pitted against each other in a battle of wits vs. wanks. But, in reality, these two organs benefit each other quite a bit — the genitals in particular can help the brain stay in tip-top shape when they're in regular use. There are quite a few ways that having good sexual wellness can benefit your mental health, even if you're not getting it on with a partner.
Sex Can Reduce Symptoms of Anxiety & Depression
Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health challenges, and no matter their severity level, they can be draining to deal with. That's where having sex can help. While it's certainly not a cure-all, having sex can ease the symptoms of anxiety and depression by causing your brain to release feel-good chemicals like dopamine, endorphins and oxytocin. Meanwhile, sex also reduces cortisol, a hormone that your body produces when you're under a lot of stress. At the physiological level, sex and mental health have a great relationship!
Sex Helps You Sleep
When you're flooded with feel-good hormones and your cortisol levels are reduced, you'll probably find it a lot easier to drift off to dreamland. Sex is also a form of light exercise, so it can help wear you out after a long day. Getting the right amount of sleep is extremely important for combating the symptoms of mental disorders, and for ensuring that you stay healthy in general. So go ahead and get snug as a bug with your sweetie (or your favorite sex toy).
Sex is Exercise
Well, sort of. Sex can't replace a crossfit session or a nice long run, but you'll probably burn anywhere from 70-100 calories doing it. Even the simple act of getting your heart rate up (and something else, too) can do great things for your mental health, though — exercise is another lifestyle remedy for anxiety and depression. Combined with the flood of happy hormones that are released when you orgasm, sexercise can have you feeling pretty great when the romp is done.
Sex is a Painkiller
Chronic pain, or even just pain from a headache or your menstrual cycle, can take a serious toll on your mental health. Having great sexual wellness can help ease some (or, in a few lucky cases, all) of the discomfort associated with migraines, cluster headaches and premenstrual/menstrual cramps. Sex increases circulation and, as we mentioned before, triggers the release of oxytocin, a natural pain reliever. Period sex, here we come!
Sex is a Confidence Booster
Feeling confident about the way we look and the strength of our relationships with others can do wonders for our mental health. Sex helps with both! Engaging in sex can help build relationships while also serving as proof that you're two (or more) hotties who know how to please each other. And, ladies, it can even help you look younger thanks to the release of estrogen that accompanies regular sexual activity! Finally, the more you have sex, the better you can understand your body and preferences, which can make you more confident about expressing yourself in the bedroom.
Sex Increases Emotional Intimacy
Building emotional intimacy can be difficult, especially if you're dealing with mental health challenges that make you anxious about having deep conversations — or if you wrongly feel that you're unworthy of having those conversations. But part of having good sexual wellness, and maintaining a good mental state, involves opening up to your partner(s) about your feelings and desires. It's even been shown that the kinkier the sex you engage in, the greater your emotional intimacy will be with your partner, since practices like BDSM require a high level of communication to be safe and satisfying. Knowing you can be totally open with your significant other, and that they can be totally open with you, is often a great remedy for feelings of loneliness or worthlessness that typically accompany mental disorders.
Masturbation Helps, Too!
Just because you're not getting off with a partner doesn't mean your mental health can't benefit from sexual wellness — having fun with yourself is important for that, too! You can simply use your hands or add your favorite sex toys to the mix to create a sexual fantasy come to life. You also don't have to worry about contracting an STD or risking an unplanned pregnancy, neither of which will do your mental state any favors. Even though you aren't with a partner, masturbation can still help your body image: it makes you more familiar with your body, which can lead to greater confidence when you do have a sexual encounter with a partner.
Find Everything You Need for Sexual Wellness at PinkCherry
It's pretty clear that sex and mental health go hand-in-hand in the best way. If you really want to treat yourself or your partner to a luxurious, extra-special sexual experience, check out our sensual love section, which has everything from massage candles to tasty treats like flavored lube and edible candy pasties. Go forth and have some sexy, sensual fun — it's good for you!
