Top Sex Drive Killers

As every busy woman knows, the day can seem never-ending. Between spending hours at the office, taking care of the house, getting your kids situated (if you have them), and working out something for dinner… hopping into bed at the end of the day only means one thing… SLEEP.
Is your hectic lifestyle taking a toll on the level of intimacy you share with your partner? Are you spending less time together, cuddling less, and in effect, feeling kind of distant from each other?

GalTime Health Director Stephanie Moore, MD, a cardiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital and JJ Virgin, a nationally renowned fitness and nutrition expert, are here to help you get your sex drive back.

Related: Can Women Have Sex Like Men?

Stress

Stress tops the list now-a-days. With worries big and small bouncing around in your head, how can you possibly concentrate on anything else?

Stress impacts your hormones. When you’re under a lot of stress it can lower vital components like testosterone and estrogen,” says JJ Virgin.

It’s important to find activities that help you relieve stress, and use them whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed. Try yoga, massage, music, a warm bath (perhaps together!).

Related: Help Him Be a Better Kisser

 Cigarettes and Alcohol
Ditch one and cut down on the other.

“Frequent alcohol consumption leads to decreased sex drive and is often related to increased stress or depression in one’s life,” warns Dr. Moore. “None of those side effects will help amp up your love life.”

Cigarettes are also a major culprit in the case of diminished libido.

“Smoking affects blood flow to vessels that affect performance,” cites JJ. “When you look at it, it’s critical to have good blood flow and a healthy blood pressure.”

Exhaustion

We all need a solid 7-9 hours of quality sleep every night to be at the top of our game. Lack of sleep leaves little to no energy for activity in the bedroom. Make getting those ZZZs a priority, so you can rev up the romance factor.

Related: Is It OK To Fake It?

Lingering Arguments

Work out the kinks. Even minor issues in a relationship can seem like mountains. Again, Dr. Moore says that communication is key because these issues can create the division that ends the intimacy in your relationship.

“For women, the connection leading to intimacy is mental. No connection means no intimacy,” she explains.

 No Time or No Time Alone
Scheduling sex sounds like a weird concept, but in JJ’s experience it’s helped a lot of couples. You can’t increase your libido if you don’t make time for it, bottom line.

“Sex is usually an afterthought,” JJ notes. “We go out, make dinner, lay down, get tired, and fall asleep.”