{"id":63147,"date":"2021-02-17T11:51:50","date_gmt":"2021-02-17T11:51:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=63147"},"modified":"2026-03-20T06:21:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T06:21:16","slug":"sexual-habits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/physical-intimacy\/sexual-habits\/","title":{"rendered":"20 Sexual Habits That Can Hurt and Help Your Sex Life"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\"Sad<\/p>\n

Intimacy is an important part of a relationship. Naturally, you want to make sure you’re creating healthy sexual habits that improve your experience together.<\/span><\/p>\n

Not only is it fun to be intimate together, but <\/span>research<\/span><\/a> shows that active sex life, especially instances that result in orgasm, triggers the release of the oxytocin hormone.<\/span><\/p>\n

Oxytocin promotes bonding, relieves stress, and elevates your mood – among many other positive benefits.<\/span><\/p>\n

This article delves into <\/span>10 habits to boost your sexual performance<\/b> and sheds light on 10 habits that can drag your sex life down.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>How can I be healthy sexually?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Being sexually healthy starts outside of the bedroom.<\/span><\/p>\n

Creating sexual habits means that you are working on yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally.<\/span><\/p>\n

Start your journey to great sexual habits by educating yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n

It isn’t always easy to discuss sexual topics with your partner, especially if you are working through past abuse, <\/span>erectile dysfunction<\/span><\/a>, or other serious issues.<\/span><\/p>\n

Our website features many informative articles about <\/span>sexual issues<\/span><\/a> and how to talk about them with your partner. There are also many self-help books available to help educate you about sexuality.<\/span><\/p>\n

Being sexually healthy is within your grasp. Keep reading for 20 Dos and Don’ts on what contributes to an amazing sexual lifestyle.<\/span><\/p>\n

Related Reading:<\/i><\/b> Why Sexual Communication Is Important<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n
<\/span>10 habits to boost your sexual performance<\/span><\/h2>\n
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If you want to improve your alone time with your partner but aren’t sure where to begin, start with this list of 10 habits that will improve your sex life.<\/span><\/p>\n
1. Sexual communication<\/b><\/h3>\n
Communication is the key to a great relationship, and <\/span>conversing about your sex life is no exception<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n
The<\/span> Journal of Marital and Family Therapy<\/span><\/a> examined 142 couples and found that those who had positive communication skills about all things sexy resulted in increased orgasm frequency in women.<\/span><\/p>\n
Sexual communication also led to increased sexual and relationship satisfaction for both partners.<\/span><\/p>\n
2. Exercising regularly<\/b><\/h3>\n
One of the best sexual habits you can create is regular exercise.<\/span><\/p>\n
Exercise is great for improving sex performances because it helps increase your stamina. Not only will this make it easier for you to perform, but it will also boost your mood and your confidence.<\/span><\/p>\n
As you work out, your body releases mood-boosting endorphins, which make you feel good.<\/span><\/p>\n
Getting fit and feeling stronger can also help improve your self-confidence. The more confident you feel in life, the wilder and freer you will feel while exploring your partner in the bedroom.<\/span><\/p>\n
Exercise also reduces stress, which can contribute to a better sexual experience.<\/span><\/p>\n
3. Giving yourself time<\/b><\/h3>\n
Time is the enemy of great sex.<\/span><\/p>\n
If you go into a love session with your partner thinking, “We’ve only got XX minutes. Let’s do this thing!” you are going to feel rushed. Feeling like there is a ticking timer going off while you’re intimate can bring unnecessary stress into the experience.<\/span><\/p>\n
One of the best tips for better sexual life is to <\/span>give yourself enough time to enjoy your experience<\/b>. Time will allow you to <\/span>connect to your partner<\/span><\/a> and live in the moment.<\/span><\/p>\n
4. Using sex aids<\/b><\/h3>\n
Sex aids such as lubricants and toys shouldn’t be taboo.<\/span><\/p>\n
Research from <\/span>Indiana University’s Center for Sexual Health Promotion<\/span><\/a> found that <\/span>69% of Americans find it easier to become aroused when using a lubricant<\/b>. The same study goes on to say that half of the participants found it easier to orgasm when using lube.<\/span><\/p>\n
Expanding your <\/span>sexual toybox<\/span><\/a> is a great way to explore your fantasies as a couple and enhance your sex life.<\/span><\/p>\n
5. Choose the right foods<\/b><\/h3>\n
If you’ve ever found yourself Googling “food for better sex life” or “good food for sex life,” then you are on the right track. The foods you put into your body can have a positive effect on your sex life.<\/span><\/p>\n
A good rule of thumb is that whatever foods are good for your heart and circulatory system are going to be great for sexual health.<\/span><\/p>\n
For a healthy heart, the <\/span>American Heart Association<\/span><\/a> recommends eating:<\/span><\/p>\n