Spice up your sex life with science-backed tips and tricks!

Having a bad day? Don’t stress out. That might actually lessen your sex drive. Instead, try one of these five ways to improve your sex life!

1) Exercise

If you’re stressed out, the last thing you probably want to do is get busy under the covers. But surprisingly, exercising may be just what your libido needs! Studies have found that men and women who work out regularly are more likely to become aroused at the mere thought of having sex. Just make sure you don’t overdo it! Working too hard can decrease testosterone levels in guys—and thus reduce arousal levels overall. For best results, opt for cardiovascular workouts thrice a week for 30 minutes each time. And don’t forget to work your entire body—research shows that working your lower half is critical to spice things up!

2) Eat a Little Bit of Chocolate

It’s true; chocolate really can improve your sex life. The antioxidants in chocolate can help increase blood flow throughout the body and even heighten arousal levels. But according to a study from the American Academy of Neurology, indulging in a little dark chocolate daily may also help reduce hot flashes and night sweats in women going through menopause. So go ahead and enjoy a few squares with your honey—make sure you stick to high-cacao chocolates (70% or more). Milk chocolate doesn’t have nearly as many benefits!

3) Cool Off

Everyone knows that summer is prime time for swimming, biking, and hiking. And as it happens, these activities may also improve your sex life! A study from the University of Guelph found that people who sweat at least once a week reported higher levels of sexual satisfaction than those who don’t. The researchers believe this might have something to do with all those feel-good endorphins we release when we exercise—you know how much you love them after a good workout at the gym! Just be sure not to work out too close to bedtime—sweaty workouts can actually decrease testosterone levels in guys and temporarily reduce arousal levels overall.

4) Get More Zzz’s

Too little sleep can definitely affect your sex life. Research shows that men are more likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction when they don’t get enough shuteye—and women who sleep less than seven hours a night are much more likely to have trouble reaching orgasm. Plus, according to a study in Neurology, guys who skimp on sleep may be at higher risk for prostate cancer! So next time you’re feeling too tired for lovemaking, just hit the hay instead. You’ll wake up refreshed and ready to go … if you know what we mean!

5) Skip the Pill

It’s no secret that oral contraceptives can throw your cycle out of whack—but did you know they could also affect your sex drive? According to Harvard University researchers, women on the Pill are half as likely to enjoy sex as those who aren’t. And according to a national survey, nearly one-third of women believe they have better orgasms when they stop taking the pill! Of course, this may be due to other factors—like stress levels or relationship problems—which is why it’s best to chat with your doc before you make any decisions. Remember that avoiding pregnancy isn’t the only reason women use the Pill these days!

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