It’s common to lose touch with your pleasure. Between work, relationships and a never-ending news cycle, getting through the day can be a feat in itself, and spending time focusing on what helps us feel good can easily fall to the wayside. But at Rae, we believe sexual wellness is an essential part of your overall well-being. Here are three ways to support your pleasure—solo or with a partner. 

1. Try sensual touch

According to OB/GYN Dr. Heather Irobunda, engaging in activities that bring you sexual pleasure allows for feel-good chemicals like oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin to be released in the brain. Consider spending time exploring your (or your partner’s) body with sensual touch, such as a yoni or tantric massage, to help you feel more comfortable and find what feels good. 

Tantric massage how-to:

1. Set up a comfortable space, such as dimming the lights and turning on relaxing music
2. Remove clothing where comfortable
3. While making eye contact, take five deep breaths together
4. Rub a natural massage oil in your hands
5. With your partner lying on their stomach, start massaging the upper areas of their body including their neck, ears and back
6. Have your partner flip onto their back and massage the whole body, including the chest, stomach, arms and legs
7. Start massaging your partner’s inner thighs and move through their erogenous zones
8. Communicate about what feels good

2. Support your energy and mood

While focusing on the physical aspect of sexual pleasure is important, the body and mind are closely connected, and sometimes stress and tiredness can get in the way of your desire. To combat this, consider adding daily supplements to your routine for an additional boost of energy and to stimulate your sexual and overall wellness. 

3. Talk about what works for you

Exploring our pleasure need not be awkward or taboo. If you’re finding it difficult to create space to discuss, consider scheduling time or leaving reminders as a prompt. 

A few conversation starters:

1. How can I enhance your pleasure?
2. Where and how do you like to be touched?
3. What turns you on?

The great thing is there’s no one way (or right way) to do it, and the more we discuss it, the more we normalize it.

How do you support your pleasure? Let us know in the comments or connect with us on Instagram @raeforwellness.