Stress as a sex killer: Men beware: 3 tips for a better sex life

Stress can be a real libido killer, and many men suffer from it without knowing the exact cause. Health coach Denise Bianchini explains why stress affects libido and what you can do about it.
Another long, exhausting day – and when it all comes down to it in the evening, the bedroom is in a lull. No desire, no energy, just plain exhausted? You're not alone, and there's a clear reason for that!
Denise Bianchini is a certified health and nutrition expert specializing in men over 40 who want to lose weight permanently. She developed a "10-Minute Method" specifically for executives and self-employed individuals with limited time, designed to get fitness, figure, and health back on track—without the pressure of dieting or exercise.
One of the biggest enemies of male libido is stress. When you're under constant stress, your body releases increased amounts of cortisol —your survival hormone. This is great when you need to escape danger. However, it's less helpful for relaxation, connection, and intimacy.
The stress hormone cortisol lowers your testosterone levels. Unfortunately, lower testosterone levels lead to a lack of sex drive. Stress also causes blood vessels to constrict. This means blood flow is impaired, which can lead to erectile dysfunction .
Studies show that men with chronic stress have up to 50% more problems with their potency. It's no wonder, because when your head is full of bills, deadlines, and emails, there's simply no room for intimacy.
- Exercise. This doesn't mean you have to sweat for hours in the gym. Even 30 minutes of activity can make a difference and boost your testosterone levels.
- Conscious breaks. Put your phone away, close your eyes, and breathe deeply – even five minutes can help.
- Sleep. Less than six hours a night? A guaranteed mood killer. So treat yourself to seven to nine hours of sleep.
In the end it’s simple: less stress – more pleasure.
This article is from the EXPERTS Circle – a network of selected experts with in-depth knowledge and many years of experience. The content is based on individual assessments and is aligned with the current state of science and practice.
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