Top Positive Enhancements - Sex and Physical Intimacy Has on Our Well-Being
In the complex tapestry of human emotions and relationships, few threads are as intricate and vital as those of sex and physical intimacy. As a psychotherapist, I've had the privilege of delving into these aspects of human connection with my clients over the years, and I've come to understand the profound impact they have on our overall well-being. In this blog, I aim to shed light on the powerful ways that sex and intimacy influence and enhance our mental and emotional health.
Strengthening Emotional Bonds
One of the most significant impacts of sex and intimacy is their role in strengthening emotional bonds between two people. The act of physical intimacy releases a surge of hormones, such as oxytocin and endorphins, often referred to as "love hormones." These neurochemicals promote feelings of trust, affection, and attachment, fostering a deeper emotional connection between partners. The result? A stronger, more resilient bond that can weather difficult situations and periods of time.
Stress Reduction and Mental Health
The old adage "make love, not war" holds real truth. Engaging in sexual activity and fostering intimacy can be a powerful stress reliever for all humans and animals. During sex, the body releases endorphins, which act as natural mood enhancers. This can significantly contribute to a positive outlook on life and promote mental well-being for oneself and towards others.
Communication and Understanding
In any relationship, open and honest communication is vital to the success of the relationship. Sexual intimacy is a form of non-verbal communication that allows and encourages couples to communicate more openly about their desires, needs, and boundaries without being in their head.
As a psychotherapist, I've seen how this non-verbal body mindfulness merged with honest verbal dialogue in the bedroom enhances their ability to have difficult conversations. A couple who can discuss their sexual desires can also discuss their emotional needs more effectively, leading to better mutual understanding and emotional growth.
Self-Esteem and Body Image
Sex and intimacy play a vital role in shaping an individual's self-esteem; either good or bad. If someone doesn’t feel good about their body- they often tend to shy away from sex and feel critical thoughts about their body. Maintaining a healthy physical body & perception of one’s body allows one to enjoy sex more comfortably. A satisfying sexual relationship can make individuals feel desirable and loved, which can have a positive impact on self-esteem, body image, and themselves as a whole. Physical intimacy and sex does not rely on physical appearance solely but also emotional connection and trust.
It’s super important to remember that sexual satisfaction can be maintained outside of an intimate relationship with another. Many people are asexual or prefer to be alone and engage in sexual satisfaction through masturbation with themselves.
Personal Growth and Well-Being
Individual well-being is deeply intertwined with the quality of one's relationships with others. A healthy, intimate sexual relationship can promote personal growth and self-discovery more within oneself as they feel confident and supported. Through shared experiences, vulnerability, and mutual support, couples can discover more about themselves and what they want from life and be encouraged to follow those plans. As a psychotherapist, I often witness clients who experience personal growth as a result of their intimate connections as they feel inspired, caregiving, and motivated to live healthier for another or a group.
Healing and Resilience
Sex and intimacy can also play a role in healing and resilience, particularly in times of emotional distress or trauma. I often hear about couples who met during a turbulent time in their lives and reference physical intimacy as the glue that allowed for more emotional connection and resilience to get them through that challenging time.
This is why it's especially difficult for those who experience disruption in physical intimacy through medical & mental health issues, incarcerations, deployments, work commitments, and family crises. A supportive partner who understands the importance of physical intimacy can provide a safe space for healing through a warm embrace, holding hands, engaging in verbal emotional connection, and eye contact can provide the same healing energy. While it's essential to approach this area with care and sensitivity, as many do not prefer physical touch due to trauma or sensory needs- many individuals find solace and strength in the arms of a loving partner during difficult times.
Enhancing Quality of Life
Ultimately, the impacts of sex and intimacy on well-being boil down to one central point: they enhance our quality of life. People in loving, intimate relationships - even with huge hardships such as physical, emotional, and spiritual hardships often report higher levels of life satisfaction, happiness, and overall well-being compared to those who do not engage. As a psychotherapist, I have seen how fostering these connections can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life and find that not discussing sex and physical intimacy can also cause harm.
It's essential to recognize that the impact of sex and intimacy on well-being is highly individual; which is each partner’s own work in communicating. What may work for one person may not work for another, and that's perfectly normal. Many individuals with physical and emotional disabilities overcome a lot of adversaries after examining their relationship with food, sleep, and sex as we are biologically made and exist due to these functions. Even if you have physical disabilities- occupational therapists can help you with sex and physical intimacy with accommodation and modifications. The key to open and respectful communication between partners is to ensure that the intimate relationship is satisfying and aligned with the needs and desires of both parties.
In conclusion, the interplay between sex and intimacy and well-being is a fascinating and vital area of human experience. As a psychotherapist, I encourage my clients to explore and nurture their intimate connections, recognizing the multifaceted benefits they bring to our emotional and mental health. These aspects of human life are deeply complex, and it's a journey of discovery and growth that's worth every step.
If you would like any support with connecting with your partner intimately or would like help communicating about your sex and physical intimacy, feel free to reach out for professional help. I can help or refer you to someone who can help you in the event I’m not the right fit for your needs. I offer psychotherapy sessions either in the office, via video, or as a “walk & talk” session in San Diego, CA. You may find more about it here. Let’s connect!
