Is Stress Ruining Your Sex Life? Stress is a major struggle for many of us. According to a 2024 survey, about 75 percent of Americans reported physical or mental stress symptoms, and a whopping 90 percent of U.S. adults say they are losing sleep at night due to worries about health and the economy. The effects of stress can be debilitating, making it difficult to work, participate in childcare, and even have a sexual relationship with a partner. The good news is, there are ways to manage stress, feel relaxed, and even be sexy again! Let’s talk more about what stress is, symptoms, and how it can have dramatic effects on your libido.
What is stress?
Stress is a natural human reaction that happens to all of us. Our bodies are designed to experience stress and respond physically and mentally. It all starts in the nervous system. It controls heart rate, breathing, vision, and more and is what puts us in “fight or flight” mode when something stressful comes into the picture. While stress is totally normal, chronic stress, or a prolonged stress experience can wreak havoc on the body causing various symptoms.
Physical Stress Symptoms:
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Aches and pains
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Feeling like your heart is racing
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Exhaustion
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Trouble sleeping
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Muscle tension
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Trouble having sex
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Weakened immune system
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High blood pressure
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Digestive issues
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Rashes
Psychological Stress Symptoms:
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Anxiety
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Irritability
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Depression
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Sadness
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Panic Attacks
Why does stress affect libido?
Stress affects libido in a couple ways. First and more simply, if your mind is racing and you are not feeling calm and relaxed, your brain is not going to be able to focus on sexual desire. Second, if your body is undergoing chronic stress, your cortisol levels are heightened, which disrupts the balance of the other hormones like testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone, lowering your body’s ability to function sexually. It’s challenging to feel “in the mood” when your body is experiencing this hormonal swing.
Stress can affect both men and women in the sexy time department. One study showed that women with high stress had lower levels of genital arousal, even with no change to psychological arousal. Another discovered that men with high stress levels reported lower levels of sexual desire, satisfaction, and the ability to maintain an erection.
How can I de-stress for better sex?
Stress cannot be avoided altogether, but there are ways to effectively manage your stress by practicing some de-stressing strategies.
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Physical activity has the power to naturally lower your stress levels. Even a short walk can make a world of difference. Exercise pumps up your endorphins to help you feel better.
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It’s common to spiral at the end of the day, thinking about all the things you didn’t get done. Instead, focus on the positive. What did you accomplish today? That will help keep stress in check.
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Set goals. These could be daily, weekly, or monthly goals. It will help you stay on track and help make your daily activities feel more manageable.
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Seek out people to talk to. It could be a therapist, your mom, your friend, your partner. Keep a close circle of contacts that you can confide in when you’re not feeling your best. If symptoms persist, speak with a doctor about your experience and potential solutions.
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Add CBD to your life. A CBD-infused lubricant can help promote relaxation and help ease tension and pain during sex.
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Keep open communication with your partner about how stress is affecting time in the bedroom. More talking means more connection and improved intimacy between the sheets.
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Feeling spread too thin? Learn when to say no or to ask for help. Oftentimes, we take on too much and forget that we can delegate or lean on others for support.
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Did you know meditation practices can improve your sex life? That’s right. It can help you focus your mind and improve your ability to tune out racing thoughts. Slow down and breathe deeply with a mindful breathing necklace designed to help you slow down your exhale. Every moment of mindfulness is a step toward recalibrating your nervous system.
While we all feel stressed at one point or another, it’s crucial to keep stress levels in check to avoid chronic stress, burnout, and an unhappy sex life. For more on how to improve your intimacy, follow us on social media and stay up on our latest blog posts.
ABOUT UPSTATE MARY
At Upstate Mary, we celebrate the power of plants and the beauty of self-care. Our Farm to Bedroom™ collection is designed to support pleasure and connection at every stage of life, whether you’re navigating menopause, postpartum, or simply exploring your sensuality. Formulated with organic botanicals and full-spectrum CBD, our intimacy oils and suppositories nurture your body without disrupting its natural balance.
Rediscover your pleasure with Upstate Mary.