Military life can be both exciting and challenging, but it also comes with unique pressures that can affect all areas of life, including sexual exploration and curiosity. When soldiers are deployed to dangerous situations, they may experience high levels of stress, which can lead to emotional exhaustion and decreased libido.
The physical demands of combat can cause fatigue and injury, making it difficult for couples to engage in physical activities together.
There are ways for military spouses to maintain sexual exploration and keep their relationship exciting even when energy is low. In this article, I will explore strategies for keeping sexual desires alive while dealing with the stresses of military life.
Physical Intimacy
One way for military couples to maintain sexual exploration is through physical touch and intimacy. Even if you don't feel like having sex, holding hands, cuddling, or kissing can help create a sense of closeness and connection between partners. This type of intimacy doesn't require much energy and can be a great start to building up to more intense physical activity. Military spouses can also try massages, foot rubs, or backrubs to relieve tension and ease stress. These activities can be done anywhere, from the bedroom to the kitchen table. Experimentation with different types of touch and sensations can also add variety to your physical intimacy routine.
Communication
Another important aspect of maintaining sexual exploration is communication. It's essential for military couples to communicate openly about their needs, desires, and boundaries. Couples should discuss what turns them on and off, as well as any fears or insecurities they may have about sex. They should also be honest about their level of energy and make plans that work for both partners.
One partner may need to take time to rest before getting intimate, while the other may want to stay active. Setting aside time each day for intimacy can help build anticipation and excitement.
Military couples may want to consider role-playing or fantasy play to spice things up.
Date Nights
Military life can often be hectic, but taking time out for date nights can help keep the spark alive in a relationship. Whether it's going out to dinner, seeing a movie, or just spending quality time together at home, these dates can provide a break from daily stresses and create an opportunity for connection. Military couples may even want to schedule regular date nights so they don't let too much time pass between intimate moments. These dates can also include sexy activities like dancing, playing games, or watching erotic movies.
Self-Care
Self-care is critical for maintaining sexual exploration. When soldiers are overwhelmed with stress, it's easy to neglect personal needs, including exercise, sleep, and nutrition. Taking care of yourself can increase your energy levels and improve your overall mood, making you more open to physical intimacy. Exercise can boost testosterone levels and release endorphins, which can enhance libido. Military couples should also prioritize adequate sleep and healthy eating habits to feel their best physically and emotionally. This can lead to better sex drive and increased interest in exploring new aspects of their relationship.
While the demands of military life can make sexual exploration difficult, there are many strategies that can help military couples stay connected and intimate. Physical touch, communication, date nights, and self-care are all important factors in maintaining a healthy sex life despite high stress levels. With patience and creativity, military spouses can keep the spark alive and explore new aspects of their relationship, even when emotional energy is depleted by trauma and stress.
How do military couples maintain sexual exploration and curiosity when emotional energy is depleted by stress and trauma?
There are several factors that can contribute to the maintenance of sexual exploration and curiosity for military couples despite feelings of exhaustion and trauma. Firstly, open communication is essential in any relationship and this includes discussing desires, boundaries, and preferences around intimacy. Couples should try to regularly engage in activities outside of the home such as date nights or weekend getaways to keep things fresh and exciting.