What strategies can people adopt to preserve their sexual health and relational satisfaction while living under limited financial means? This question is often asked because it is commonly assumed that financial hardship leads to diminished sexual desire and performance.
It does not have to be so if individuals take proactive steps to maintain their physical and emotional well-being. Here are some strategies one can apply to achieve this goal.
One can prioritize communication with their partner about their desires, needs, and boundaries. Communication can help build trust, mutual respect, and understanding, which are essential for fulfilling sexually. It also allows partners to negotiate and come up with creative solutions when resources are limited.
Couples can agree on cheaper but fun activities such as cuddling, kissing, and massages.
They can engage in intimate talk about their fears, hopes, and challenges and share non-sexual touch like holding hands or hugging. These actions demonstrate love and affection even without intercourse.
One can create a budget for sexual activities to ensure spending within affordable limits. Sex can be enjoyable even without expensive toys and outfits; instead, focus on quality time together, exploring each other's bodies, sharing erotic fantasies, and discussing intimacy preferences. One can experiment with new positions, play games of strip poker, watch porn together, etc. By doing these things, the couple can still feel connected and experience pleasure without overspending.
One can incorporate regular exercise into their routine to improve mental health and sexual function. Physical activity releases endorphins, reduces stress, increases libido, improves circulation, boosts confidence, and enhances stamina during sex. Exercise does not require fancy equipment or gym memberships; one can do it at home by walking, jogging, dancing, swimming, yoga, stretching, or bodyweight exercises.
Couples can take turns working out while the other person provides moral support.
Fourth, individuals should make time for self-care practices that promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and increase energy levels. Self-care includes meditation, mindfulness, breathwork, journaling, prayer, reading, listening to music, taking breaks from screens, getting enough sleep, eating well, and reducing alcohol consumption. This helps manage stress, negative thoughts, and emotions that may otherwise affect sexual performance.
Couples can engage in bedtime routines such as soaking in a hot tub, lighting candles, and playing calming sounds.
Couples should be open to trying non-monogamy if they are comfortable with it. Non-monogamy involves having consensual relationships outside a primary partnership, which some people find fulfilling emotionally and sexually.
This requires clear boundaries, communication, and mutual respect between all parties involved. It also necessitates honesty, discretion, trust, and safety measures like STI testing, contraceptives, and safe sex.
There are numerous strategies that couples can adopt to preserve their sexual health and relational satisfaction under limited resources. Communication, budgeting, exercise, self-care, and non-monogamy are just some examples. By prioritizing these activities, couples can remain connected, satisfied, and happy despite financial hardship.
What strategies preserve sexual health and relational satisfaction under limited resources?
In a study conducted by Sprecher et al. , it was found that there are several factors that contribute to sexual health and relationship satisfaction despite financial constraints. One of these factors is communication between partners about their sexual needs and desires. This includes openly discussing sexual fantasies, preferences, and boundaries. Another factor is engaging in activities other than sex that promote intimacy and connection, such as going on dates, sharing hobbies, and spending time with friends together.