Christmas is coming. Kisses under the mistletoe and illicit meet ups could be on the cards for you. The idea of an open fire, roasted chestnuts and snow covered rooftops conjure up relaxing images. However as we all know, Christmas is often a lead cause for stress. Shopping for presents at the last minute, trying to make sure all your work is done before everyone leaves for the holidays and getting paid…it’s enough to make you want to just wave a white flag. Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year and often one of the most stressful. Stress can really hurt your sex life.
1. Stress leads to a negative body image
When we feel stressed we tend to notice our physical appearance more than we do when relaxed. Suddenly our muscles look flabby, our arses seem huge and our bellies look massive. It’s all in our heads but when we’re stressed the perceived flaws are a big deal. When we feel fat or unattractive the last thing we want to do is strip off and have sex.
2. Stress affects the libido
This has been confirmed by countless medical experts. The more stressed we feel, the lower our sex drive becomes. Hormones in our bodies take on terrifyingly effective levels when we’re not feeling ourselves. Cortisol is one hormone produced by stress and it floods our body making us irritable, alert and on edge. When was the last time you wanted or enjoyed sex when you felt this way?
3. Stress can make us paranoid
When we’re stressed we question everything, even things that were perfectly reasonable and normal before. Our relationships with our partners (casual or otherwise), families, friends and colleagues are all thrown into doubt. We begin seeing conspiracies everywhere and feel that people are plotting against us. Sex is the farthest thing on your mind when you feel this way.
4. Stress leads to bad excess
Poor diet, heavy drinking and interrupted sleep are all part of feeling low. Instead of exercising and trying to do the right things to perk ourselves up we do the opposite. We drink heavy amounts of wine and beer to cheer ourselves up but alcohol causes erectile dysfunction and a lack of lubrication. When was the last time you had an orgasm when drinking heavily? Eating badly also affects our health and our sex drive. A kebab or burger might sound good at the time, but it does nothing for your sex life.
5. Stress leads to poor decisions on sex
Stress causes us to make terrible decisions when having sex. A late night out drinking can see us going home with the wrong people. Even in a causal relationship you need to choose partners carefully. Stress affects both sides and having sex with the wrong person can cause a lot of emotional damage. Think carefully before opening a bottle or can when choosing a fuck buddy.
Bottom line: sex is great, stress is bad. Stress leads to bad sex or no sex. So if you’re stressed this Christmas think about the ways you can relieve it before jumping into bed with someone. Ironically sex is a great stress reliever, but you won’t be able to enjoy it when you’re stressed.
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