Sexual touch and physical intimacy play an important role in reducing anxiety for deployed soldiers. Deployed soldiers experience high levels of stress due to their duties which can affect their mental health negatively if not addressed properly. Therefore, they need to find ways that can help them relax and relieve themselves from stress. One such way is through sexual touch and physical intimacy. Sexual touch involves touching one's partner's body parts while engaging in foreplay. Physical intimacy includes cuddling, hugging, holding hands, kissing, and making out. These activities have been found to reduce anxiety among deployed soldiers. Research has shown that physical contact reduces cortisol levels, which are responsible for producing stress hormones. In addition, it increases oxytocin levels, which promote feelings of trust, love, and attachment between partners. This explains why sexual touch and physical intimacy reduce anxiety in deployed soldiers as they create a bond between partners that makes them feel loved, safe, and secure. Besides that, these activities also increase dopamine levels, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. Therefore, when deployed soldiers engage in these activities, they experience feelings of happiness and satisfaction, leading to lower levels of anxiety.
Sex releases endorphins, which act as painkillers, providing relief from the emotional pain caused by stress. This explains why sexual touch and physical intimacy are vital for reducing anxiety among deployed soldiers.
There are some challenges faced by deployed soldiers when it comes to enjoying these benefits. Some soldiers may lack privacy or even access to their romantic partners during deployment. Others may have reservations about sharing their sexuality due to cultural differences or religious beliefs.
Soldiers may be concerned about being judged by their colleagues if they engage in such behaviors. Nevertheless, despite these challenges, many soldiers still find ways to enjoy sexual touch and physical intimacy, and this has led to reduced levels of anxiety.
Military commanders should ensure that deployed soldiers can access their romantic partners to enable them to get relief through sexual touch and physical intimacy. The military should also educate its members on the importance of engaging in these activities to reduce anxiety, and provide training on how to do so appropriately. Deployed soldiers should also be encouraged to explore other options like masturbation and pornography, which can help them achieve similar effects.
Psychologists should work closely with deployed soldiers to provide guidance and support in managing their mental health while addressing their sexual needs.
What is the role of sexual touch and physical intimacy in reducing anxiety for deployed soldiers?
Touch and physical intimacy can reduce anxiety by triggering positive physiological responses such as decreased cortisol levels and increased oxytocin production. Studies have shown that even brief forms of touch like handholding or hugging can improve mood and relieve stress. For deployed soldiers who are separated from loved ones for extended periods, receiving supportive touch from their partners or friends can provide comfort and alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation.