The idea that engaging in sexual activities can provide relief from daily life stress is not new. Many people have claimed to experience this phenomenon for centuries, but it has been hard to prove scientifically due to ethical considerations.
Recent research shows that there may be some truth to these claims. This article explores how sexual activity can actually help reduce stress levels and discusses some potential mechanisms behind this effect.
Researchers have found that regular physical exercise reduces stress levels. Sexual intercourse involves physical movement which can be classified as a form of exercise. Engaging in sexual activity can therefore increase endorphin production, leading to a sense of pleasure and wellbeing.
It can promote muscle relaxation and improve cardiovascular health. These effects are similar to those experienced after exercising, suggesting that sex can indeed serve as an alternative stress reliever for individuals who do not enjoy or cannot participate in other forms of physical activity.
Sexual activity also releases oxytocin, a hormone associated with social bonding and attachment. When partners are intimate with each other, they feel closer and more connected. This feeling of closeness can buffer against everyday stressors like work pressure or family responsibilities by providing emotional support.
Sex can create distraction from negative thoughts and worries, allowing individuals to focus on the present moment instead of dwelling on past mistakes or future concerns.
It is important to note that not all types of sexual activity have the same impact on stress reduction.
Masturbation does not involve the same level of physical exertion as sexual intercourse and therefore may not produce the same physiological benefits.
Engaging in risky sexual behavior like unprotected sex can lead to additional stressors related to fears of contracting STIs or pregnancy. It is important to find a safe and comfortable way to explore one's sexuality without compromising mental or physical health.
While there is still much research needed to fully understand how sexual activity affects stress levels, initial evidence suggests that it may provide some relief from daily life pressures. Engaging in consensual sexual activities that promote physical and emotional wellbeing can be a valuable addition to existing stress-reduction techniques such as exercise and meditation.
Can sexual activity buffer against daily life stressors?
The study published by researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder (USA) in 2015 found that people who had more sex were less stressed out than those who didn't have any sexual intercourse during the same period. The scientists asked 94 individuals with an average age of 37 years old to record their frequency of sexual encounters in the previous week as well as their level of stress for two weeks.