No matter the cause, stress has a tendency to spill over into other areas of our lives and is notorious for impacting our sexual desire. It’s no secret that intimacy is an important aspect of our overall health, so if you’re experiencing a slump in your drive because you’re stressed out, it can put an unwanted strain on your pleasure. Which, quite rudely, only adds to the stress. If trying times have you feeling like your sexual desire is under attack, there are a few things you can do about it and for Stress Awareness Month, we’ve gathered a few go-tos for your consideration. 

Getting in touch with your pleasure happens when you’re fully present and in the moment, which can be hard to do when you’re stressed out and your mind is zinging from work obligations to finances to, well, you name it. One way to practice preventing this is simply to incorporate more mindfulness. Mindfulness, which is essentially the state of being fully aware and present, checks all the boxes of reducing stress and anxiety and creating heightened connection with all your senses. Got five minutes? Take a mindful pause to check in with yourself, release intrusive thoughts and breathe deeply, focus on what’s happening in that exact second—a little something you can do at your desk or in the bed.

Additionally, it may be helpful to know what your outlets are for stress. Things like yoga, dancing to get the endorphins flowing or even getting a massage can help. Making time for your well-being can be hugely beneficial to minimizing everyday stress.

Or, for something easy to incorporate into your everyday routine, consider adding daily supplements for an additional boost of energy and to stimulate your sexual and overall health. Holding space for intimacy can actually help reduce stress, so it’s never a bad idea to try to prioritize more time for more good vibes.