Trouble sleeping? We all know sex is good for our health, but did you know that getting lucky can actually help you fall asleep? Research shows that the tendency for a person to fall asleep right after sex is associated with a greater desire for bonding and cuddling with their partner. This study also found that women were more likely than men to be the first to fall asleep after intimacy. Get close to your partner and get some shut eye!

NLT: In We Were an Island: The Maine Life of Art & Nan Kellam, Peter Blanchard writes about a couple that kept their relationship wonderful while living alone together on an isolated island for 40 years. Of course, personal space and occasional solitude was essential for each of them nonetheless.

Trouble sleeping? We all know sex is good for our health, but did you know that getting lucky can actually help you fall asleep? Research shows that the tendency for a person to fall asleep right after sex is associated with a greater desire for bonding and cuddling with their partner. This study also found that women were more likely than men to be the first to fall asleep after intimacy. Get close to your partner and get some shut eye!

NLT: In We Were an Island: The Maine Life of Art & Nan Kellam, Peter Blanchard writes about a couple that kept their relationship wonderful while living alone together on an isolated island for 40 years. Of course, personal space and occasional solitude was essential for each of them nonetheless.

As part of a whole person and Nutritious LIFE approach to wellness and weight management, it is often important to look at what is happening between my clients’ sheets. Even though lots of clients raise their eyebrows when intimacy is inquired about, the dirty deets aren’t what I’m after. Scientists have linked feel good hormones with achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. We all have stressors and stress hormones that build up in our systems and act like toxins in our bodies. There are hormones that do exactly the opposite – they make us feel good. These hormones deserve just as much attention, which is why they are the focus of today.

Two hormones are worthy of special attention: oxytocin is well studied for its calming effects. It is released after orgasm and feel good moments; it floods the body with relaxation messages and lowers anxiety and the brain’s natural resistance responses. The other happy hormones worthy of focus are endorphins. Linked to feelings of well being, endorphins are naturally released during exercise and pleasurable moments and are responsible for lessening feelings of pain. Oxytocin and endorphins in the body stimulate a metabolic process to reduce the intake of calories, reduce hunger and slow the digestion of fat. To make it simple, the more one feels good, the greater the health, weight management and wellness benefit there is.

It is worth getting your feel good on. Try one of these:

 Oxytocin – is released from the pituitary during orgasm, hugging, touching, breast feeding and bonding. It is associated with increasing feelings of trust and generosity. Try some of these touch techniques to get your oxytocin release:

• Have sex
• Try acupuncture
• Get a massage
• Snuggle a baby
• Cuddle a puppy

Endorphins — are primarily released from the brain and spinal cord during exercise, physical activity, sex, positive thinking and emotional stimulus. Endorphins are associated with lessening feelings of pain and depression by triggering positive feelings and reducing feelings of stress. Try one of these techniques to stimulate your body’s endorphins:

• Eat capsaicin from chili powder or peppers
• Have a good cry
• Laugh
• Get in a good workout
• Use a steam room or sauna

You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by turning on your oxytocin and endorphins. Best of all, these suggestions work best when applied with a partner; you can use any of the above suggestions as an excuse to care for someone you love as you care for yourself!

Can you name the last five times you had sex with your partner? Sometimes it takes a special experience to reignite the passion in a relationship. Sex has been proven to relieve stress, boost immunity, burn calories, improve heart health, and help you sleep better.  You’ve cooked together, you’ve worked out together, you’ve danced together and maybe you even went skydiving together, but when was the last time you did nothing together? Sometimes it’s the “nothing” that leads to the “something” between the sheets…

NLT: Book a room in a rustic hotel… the more secluded the better! Grab your other half and head out of town for a sexy weekend away. Spend your time hiking, snuggling up together in front of the fire, hot tubbing, or doing NOTHING! Whatever you choose, it is sure to rekindle your sex life. What could be better than a steamy getaway?!

Want to feel sexier? Ditch the lingerie and lace up those sneakers, throw on that sports bra and hit the gym! Research shows that women who exercise not only have increased levels of body satisfaction but also have stronger sexual desires. The hormones released during exercise relieve stress and increase confidence, self-image, and mood, making you more likely to initiate intimate time with your sweetie. And believe us, your partner will notice too. Why? Because when you feel beautiful and sexy – you instantly become beautiful and sexy! Experts also believe that people who are mentally and physically fit are more likely to have good sex lives. So if you are looking to bring sexy back (into the bedroom), be sure to hit the gym before you hit the sheets.

NLT: Heat up the bedroom with one of this season’s hottest workouts – pole classes!  Think we are talking about the been-there, done-that pole classes on the bachelorette party circuit? Think again! From yoga pole to salsa pole to belly pole, these new pole-fusion trends are dancing their way into one major workout movement. These classes are sassy, calorie-torching workouts that benefit your body and mind. Check out Pole Fitness Association to find a studio in your state. You can also check with your local gyms as many offer introductory classes and series to build seduction skills and keep blood flowing.

“Get lucky” this March now that you have more hours of daylight! Studies show a correlation between sex drive and sunlight. Sunlight increases the production of melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH), which has been linked to an increased sex drive in women. Serotonin is another feel-good neurotransmitter linked to heightened mood and sex drive during the spring, so take advantage of these longer days and get down to it!

NLT: Let’s face it, with all of life’s hassles, even the sunshine isn’t always enough to put us in the mood. Start by feeling sexy. Show a little more skin and feel sexy all day long in Yummie Tummie’s new line of intimate spring must-haves. After the sun goes down, slip into the Kayle Teddie and show off your hourglass. Your natural radiance will resonate and make you look and feel irresistible.

Instead of toiling with ancient recipes to ward off the common cold, heat up your sex life for an extra boost of immunity. A recent study found that women who reported getting down and dirty at least 1-2 times a week had higher levels of the antibody immunoglobulin A, a defender against the common cold. Bonus: Spending time with loved ones and even pets has a similar antioxidant-boosting effect.

NLT: Go ahead, take the lead and don’t be shy – your health may depend on it! If your
partner wonders what’s up, tell ‘em your doc insisted (although we doubt you’ll hear
many complaints…).

Looking to add a little zing to your sex life? Look no further then those oranges filling up your fruit bowl! Oranges are practically synonymous with immune-boosting vitamin C, and full of anti-inflammatory flavanoids. But did you know that these little guys bode well for your sexual health too?! It’s true! According to research conducted at the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, the scent of an orange increased male arousal by nearly 20%!

NLT: Forget orange juice, peel an orange for an afternoon snack and
invigorate your senses with the smell of citrus…

We’ve all heard about the aphrodisiac powers of oysters but did you know that celery may also help to improve your sex life?! This unsung hero contains a potent ingredient that will leave you unable to resist your guy. Celery causes the release of a hormone called androstenone, which gives men a subtle, but irresistible smell. Now there’s some food for thought.

NLT: Make an after work snack or appetizer with celery for your guy to reap the sexy benefits. Heat things up by combining salsa with non-fat greek yogurt for a spicy dip.