Stress is a normal part of life that can be caused by various factors such as work pressure, family issues, financial problems, etc.
Deployments are one of the significant causes of stress for military personnel because they require them to leave their loved ones behind. This separation can lead to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Studies have shown that deployments can also negatively impact couples' sexual lives due to a lack of physical contact, which may cause long-term damage if left unaddressed. But research has revealed that maintaining a healthy sexual relationship during deployment can reduce these negative effects. This article will discuss how sexual closeness reduces stress, anxiety, and isolation during deployments.
Research has found that sexual activity releases oxytocin, a hormone known as the "love hormone." Oxytocin improves mood, increases trust and intimacy between partners, and reduces stress levels. It promotes feelings of security, comfort, and safety, creating a sense of emotional connection. Military couples who engage in sex regularly before, during, or after deployments report feeling less anxious and isolated than those who do not. Regular sex creates a strong bond between the couple, reducing feelings of fear and doubt about the future.
Sexual satisfaction during deployments can help mitigate feelings of loneliness. Couples who stay connected through virtual communication, letters, calls, texts, video chats, etc., often struggle with boredom and restlessness. Sex can provide an outlet for this tension, allowing them to release built-up energy and feel closer to each other despite being apart.
It can increase confidence by providing positive reinforcement of their partner's attractiveness and desirability. The frequency and quality of sex influence sexual satisfaction, and frequent and satisfying sex leads to better physical and mental wellbeing, thus helping military personnel cope with deployment-related stressors.
Military deployments can cause stress, anxiety, and depression due to separation from loved ones, uncertainty about the future, financial worries, and safety concerns. This stress can lead to mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depressive episodes. Having regular sexual activity during deployments has been shown to reduce these symptoms by lowering cortisol levels - the hormone responsible for stress response. Frequent sex can also improve sleep patterns, which is crucial for managing PTSD symptoms such as nightmares, flashbacks, and insomnia. Studies have found that couples experiencing intimacy report fewer PTSD symptoms than those without it.
Maintaining a healthy sexual relationship during deployments requires effort and open communication between partners. They should discuss their needs, preferences, boundaries, fears, and concerns. Military couples may need to be creative in maintaining intimacy during deployments, using technology or roleplaying to stay connected. Some strategies include sending erotic photos/videos, scheduling virtual dates, setting aside time for phone sex, and sharing fantasies. Sexual exploration, experimentation, and playfulness can help break routine and increase arousal.
It's essential to prioritize self-care, including exercise, meditation, and relaxation techniques to manage stress and regulate emotions.
Sexual closeness during deployment reduces stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation by releasing oxytocin, improving mood, increasing trust and intimacy, reducing boredom and restlessness, and providing positive reinforcement. It also lowers cortisol levels, improves sleep patterns, and helps cope with deployment-related stressors. Maintaining a healthy sexual relationship requires open communication, creativity, self-care, and prioritizing intimacy. Military personnel who prioritize their sexual relationships during deployments report greater satisfaction and wellbeing.
Can sexual closeness reduce stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation during deployment?
In many cases, sexual intimacy can be a source of comfort and security for individuals who are away from home on deployment. According to researchers, sex releases feel-good hormones like oxytocin that help create bonds between partners, which may promote well-being by reducing feelings of loneliness and enhancing social support.