With the daily stresses of life, it’s difficult to get in the mood for sex and we often find ourselves making excuses to partners.
Many of us feel bad that we’re not the passionate person we used to be. But you’re not alone!
A 2017 study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that 70 per cent of Australian women aged 40-65 experience low sexual desire.
While it’s important to get to the root of the issue by speaking to your GP, there are a few ways you can get your mojo back, naturally.
Read on for 10 ways to boost your libido, at any age!
1. Work it out!
Sometimes, to get your blood pumping in the bedroom, you need to first get your blood pumping in the gym!
Research shows exercise can have a powerful impact on your libido.
Not only does it reduce stress, improve your confidence and flood your body with feel-good hormones, it improves blood flow to your sexual organs which can help with lubrication.
Get your blood pumping in the gym!
2. Check your iron
No, we don’t mean checking that you didn’t accidentally leave the iron on (although, that might help you focus!).
For women in particular, being iron-deficient can have a negative effect on sexual desire and arousal.
If you’re having trouble getting in the mood, it’s worth having your doctor check your iron levels.
Leafy greens like kale and spinach, red meat, fish and tofu are great natural sources of iron.
3. Ditch the durries
It’s no coincidence that smokers have a 53 per cent higher rate of divorce!
If you no longer find your partner ‘smoking hot’, it could be because you’re smoking — literally.
The nicotine in cigarettes affects hormonal balance and testosterone, which can impact sexual desire.
It can also affect blood flow to your sexual organs.
If you’re a smoker, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about options to quit, for the health of your body and your sex drive!
4. Chill out!
Stress is known globally as the number one libido killer.
Between work, money troubles and looking after the kids, sex can feel like just another chore to tick off the list.
Before you hit the hay, it’s important to take the time to wind down.
Shutting off digital devices for at least an hour before bed, meditating, journalling or having a bath are all calming activities that can help get you in the right mindset for a little lovin’.
Take a leaf out of Julia’s book.
5. Eat more chocolate
Yes, you read correctly!
It’s not just a myth that chocolate is a natural aphrodisiac.
Studies show that it promotes the release of phenylethylamine and serotonin into the body, which can boost your libido.
So, next time you’re about to hop into the sack, why not treat yourself to a little bit of choccie first?
6. Watch your wine
Having a glass of vino can help take the edge off and get you in the mood.
But alcohol is also a depressant and any more than that can have the reverse effect by making you sleepy.
Going overboard on the booze can actually reduce your testosterone levels and therefore, your libido. If you plan to have a drink before any bedroom antics, make sure you cap it at one glass.
7. Raid your pantry
The secret to boosting low libido may already be in your kitchen!
There are various herbs known to help ramp up your sex drive, including maca, basil and ashwangandha.
Fennel seeds, nutmeg and cloves have also been used in countries like Africa and India for centuries to naturally improve sex drive.
8. Think zinc
Zinc is known as the ultimate sex mineral, especially for the fellas.
It helps boost testosterone and stops it from turning into oestrogen by blocking the enzyme responsible.
Some excellent natural sources of zinc are pumpkin seeds, lamb, chickpeas or garlic (although you may want to stay away from that one immediately before bed!).
Garlic is known to be an amazing source of zinc.
9. Try aromatherapy
Don’t underestimate the power of smell when it comes to getting you in the mood.
By taking a whiff of essential oils or lighting an oil burner, you can delight your senses and kick-start your libido.
Clary sage has been found to balance hormones, while rose has a calming effect and ylang ylang is widely used as natural aphrodisiac.
10. Take care down there
During or after menopause, many women experience vaginal dryness or irritation as a result of a decrease in oestrogen levels. This can make it difficult to get in the mood and can even make sex uncomfortable and painful.
Many women find that by addressing dryness with a lubricant or vaginal moisturiser, their minds quickly catch up.
