For many people, sex and intimacy are difficult subjects to talk about. We live in a culture that has a lot of internalized shame around sexuality and desire. In the year 2022, we know that conversations about intimacy are necessary and important. After all, sexual health is part of creating an overall holistically healthy lifestyle.
However, many of us have never considered the numerous ways in which our intimate relationships impact our lives and overall well-being. Luckily, Well Citizen has done the research for you. Here are some of the ways in which intimacy can affect our wellness journey.
Physical:
The physical benefits of intimacy have been well documented over the years. Still, some of them might surprise you.
People frequently make jokes about sex being their cardio workout. It turns out that they are actually onto something. Beyond burning calories, a healthy sex life can actually help improve your cardiovascular health, as well as lower your blood pressure, much like other forms of aerobic exercise.
In the past decade, a great deal of research has been conducted about the connection between sex and pain relief. When being intimate, the brain is flooded with hormones that have a powerful effect on your body. A rush of endorphins can work as a natural painkiller. While this can be used to combat things such as headaches or menstrual cramps, medical professionals are increasingly advising patients to use this information as a tool against chronic pain.
Additionally, being intimate with your partner can help aid you in getting your eight hours of sleep a night. During sex, the hormone prolactin is released, which can create a sleepy, relaxed feeling. If you have been struggling to fall asleep, spending some one-on-one time with your partner could be an effective way to fight insomnia.
Emotional:
If you feel a burst of positivity after spending intimate time with your partner, you are not alone. Intimacy can temporarily increase levels of dopamine, the chemical that makes you feel good. This rise in dopamine levels can lead to a better attitude and a more positive outlook throughout your day. Likewise, if you struggle with anxiety and/or depression (characterized by low dopamine levels), regular intimacy can help combat the emotional symptoms.
Additionally, a healthy intimate relationship can increase your confidence and feelings of self-worth. True intimacy requires you to speak openly about your thoughts, feelings, and desires. Practicing that, within the safe confines of your relationship, can help give you the confidence to speak up about your opinions and needs in other aspects of your life.
Relationship:
Any couple on their journey of intimacy will tell you the same thing: communication is key. Intimacy requires us to create a judgment-free environment where people can express their wants, desires and dislikes.
For many of us, that is the goal outside the bedroom as well. Creating those foundational boundaries, while practicing intimacy, can allow us to feel comfortable expressing our everyday needs to each other in other areas. Keeping an open mind, speaking truthfully, having consideration for the other person’s feelings…all of those things are key parts of everyday communication.
Intimacy is also one of the most powerful ways to forge a deep emotional connection within a relationship. One of the chemicals released during sex is oxytocin. Frequently referred to as “the love hormone,” it can inspire feelings of closeness with our partner. These feelings can be vitally important in re-establishing a strong connection and bond. In fact, studies have shown that, over time, a similar amount of oxytocin can be released when one partner simply thinks about the other.
Developing a deep level of intimacy with your partner is a lifelong journey, but certainly comes with numerous benefits for the body, mind, and soul.
