12 Ways To Feel Sexy Right Now

For many people, there is a direct correlation between negative self image and their libido. It's hard to feel sexy with a slew of negative thoughts swirling around in your head. We asked our Experts to weigh in with simple yet effective ways readers can feel sexier right now. Using the principal of acting "as if" (aka fake it until you make it!), we think this can help even the most stubborn believer to connect with her more sexual self and reap some of the amazing benefits of a healthy sex life.

Below are 12 ways you can bring the sexy back in your life today:

1. Embrace yourself. Grab onto whatever bits you tend to consider your "problem" and tell that flesh, out loud, that you love/cherish/respect/honor it and let it know it's absolutely perfect just the way it is. The more you say it, the more you will believe it. Most women have a tendency to use negative language about their bodies. Simply changing the way you think and talk about your body can have a powerful impact on all aspects of your life.

2. Do something that scares you. It's easy to fall into routines that turn into ruts, but trying new things literally triggers a happiness response in the brain. So do something you've always thought looked fun but never had the nerve to try. That spin class you've been talking about trying is a great place to start. Go skydiving. Travel. Learn a new language. Get your SCUBA certificate. Endorphins are a powerful thing, and you can stimulate them right now for immediate gratification and long-term gain.

3. Chill out. The simple act of letting yourself relax is a tremendous first step toward total satisfaction. While it's easier said than done in a hyper-connected world full of stress, deadlines and an inflated sense of urgency about practically everything, once you've mastered the art of letting go, a whole new world opens up.

According to Psychology Today's Sexuality Today blogger, Dr. Steven Snyder, "If you can't relax, sex is going to suffer." So every once in a while, turn off your phone and laptop, switch off the TV and lay your worries temporarily to the side. Make an appointment with yourself (or your partner) to do absolutely nothing for at least a solid hour—no agenda, no goals, no distractions—and see what happens.