Anxiety inhibits creative thinking
Inhibited creative thinking is the state where you have difficulty coming up with new ideas or solutions to problems. This can be caused by feelings of fear, uncertainty, self-doubt, or stress. It's common for people who suffer from performance anxiety to feel stuck in this state when it comes to their sex life. When we're anxious, our brains focus on survival mode and prioritize our physical needs over our mental ones. This means that we're less likely to think outside the box and come up with creative ways to express ourselves sexually. In fact, research suggests that people with high levels of social anxiety are less likely to engage in risky or unconventional sexual behaviors.
How does this relate to sexual creativity?
Sexual creativity involves experimenting with different positions, techniques, fantasies, and settings. It requires taking risks and trying new things, which can be difficult when you're feeling insecure about your performance.
Someone with performance anxiety might feel too self-conscious to try out a new position because they're worried they won't be able to do it well enough. They might also hesitate to ask their partner if they can try something new out of fear of rejection or humiliation. And when you're focused on what you 'should' be doing instead of what you actually want to do, it can be challenging to tap into your imagination and explore alternative ways of pleasing yourself or your partner.
How can we overcome anxiety and increase creativity?
There are several strategies you can use to combat performance anxiety and boost your creativity: 1) Focus on the process, not the outcome - Instead of worrying about whether you'll perform perfectly or meet certain standards, concentrate on enjoying the moment and exploring new possibilities. 2) Challenge your negative thoughts - Acknowledge your worries and remind yourself that there is no 'right' way to have sex. Everyone has different preferences and styles, so don't compare yourself to others or get caught up in expectations. 3) Practice mindfulness - Pay attention to your body, breathing, and senses during sex to stay present and engaged in the experience. This can help you let go of worries and focus on pleasure. 4) Communicate openly with your partner - Share your desires and boundaries, listen to theirs, and work together to find solutions that work for both of you.
How does anxiety about performance inhibit sexual creativity?
Anxiety is defined as an unpleasant emotion that occurs in anticipation of negative outcomes which can affect sexual functioning by increasing arousal levels, lowering desire for sex, reducing satisfaction during intercourse, and decreasing partner attraction (Leiblum, Rosen & Rosen, 2016).