Sex & Wellness: How To Benefit From Empowering Intimacy NOW
“You are enough to drive a saint to madness or a king to his knees.” – Grace Willows, “To Kiss a King.”
Greetings 4am Wellness Crew.
The Challenge
We are too busy, too driven, too distracted, and too tired for self-care, and that includes sex. We, like other voices in the wellness space, have a lot to say about the eight essential dimensions that comprise the wellness wheel – Environmental, Emotional, Financial, Social, Spiritual, Occupational, Physical, and Intellectual – and their sub-elements - however, we either rush, blush or simply ignore the “Pleasure Principle” – Janet (Jackson), not Sigmund (Freud) 😊.
At 4am Wellness Crew, we are bellowing advocates for the “deserving you:” You are deserving of physical health, financial security, emotional stillness, spiritual fulfillment, a clean environment, occupational growth and reward, Intellectual freedom, a safe and embracing social space … and sexual fulfillment.
In the safety, serenity, and transparency of your 4am sanctuary space, reflect on the spiritual, physical, and emotional bliss that sexual intimacy brings. Don’t allow the discordant, hateful, and hypocritical voices to define sex. You define sex. You define pleasure. You define empowerment. Shake off shame and the burdens of belief systems, “isms,” mores, and political opportunism. Sexual pleasure is necessary, empowering, and indispensable to your wellness balance and fulfillment.
Sex, like every other wellness dimension, should be enjoyed responsibly (ethically and legally). Sex performed consensually, respectfully, non-judgmentally, and in a space of reassuring intimacy can be a movingly enjoyable, and empowering experience.
Pause. Slowly inhale the texture, smell, and sound .. the spiritual bonding of erotic intimacy. Feel its healing breath move up through your body, and then slowly exhale the anxiety, the fear, the shame, the “I am not deserving” and any other negatives stubbornly hanging around. Finish off the exercise with a peaceful yet unabashed affirmation – “I am deserving of the joy of sexual intimacy and pleasure.” Repeat. Repeat …
So, jump off the hamster wheel, ditch the guilt trip, and wholeheartedly embrace the “Pleasure Principle,” with all its aphrodisiac benefits and joys.
The Benefits. The Exercises.
“To Feel aroused is to feel alive. Having great sex is like taking in huge lungfuls of fresh air, essential to your body, essential to your health, and essential to your life.” – Fiona Thrust, “Naked and Sexual.”
1. Reduced Stress and Anxiety: The release of endorphins - natural painkillers, and oxytocin, the “cuddle hormone," during sex creates a powerful relaxation response. This can help melt away everyday worries and anxieties, leaving you feeling calmer and more centered.
Exercise: Pause … Visualize the tension slowly leaving your muscles as you connect with your partner, leaving you feeling lighter and more serene.
2. Improved Mood and Well-being: Beyond relaxation, the hormonal cocktail released during sex can genuinely elevate your mood. It is like a natural antidepressant, boosting feelings of joy, optimism, and contentment.
Exercise: Pause … Visualize a warm wave washing over you, replacing negativity with a sense of general well-being and inner peace.
3. Increased Self-esteem and Confidence: Feeling sexually desired and fulfilled by your partner can be a powerful validation of your attractiveness and worth. This can translate into increased confidence in other areas of your life, empowering you to face challenges and embrace opportunities with a positive outlook.
Exercise: Pause … Visualize standing taller and feeling more assured, knowing your partner cherishes and appreciates you.
4. Stronger Emotional Connection: Sex can be a bridge, deepening emotional intimacy and fostering trust. Vulnerability and shared pleasure create a unique bond that goes beyond the physical.
Exercise: Pause …Embrace the imagery of weaving a tapestry of shared experiences and emotions, strengthening the connection with your partner on a deep and empathic level.
5. Enhanced Communication: Honest and open communication about your sexual needs and desires is crucial for a fulfilling sex life. This translates into better (overall) communication in your relationship, creating a safe space for sharing thoughts and feelings without judgment.
Exercise: Pause … Visualize the empowering action of feeling comfortable expressing your desires and listening attentively to your partner - building a foundation of mutual understanding and respect.
6. Reduced Feelings of Loneliness and Isolation: Physical touch and connection can combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. Sex is not just about pleasure - it is about feeling seen, heard, and held.
Exercise: Pause … Visualize the comfort and warmth of erotic intimacy, reminding you that you are not alone and that you are valued by someone who cares.
7. Relief from Pain: While not a cure-all, orgasms can sometimes provide temporary relief from pain, such as menstrual cramps or headaches, due to the release of endorphins, which act as natural painkillers.
Exercise: Pause … Visualize the discomfort easing, replaced by a wave of relaxation and reprieve.
8. Improved Sleep Quality: The relaxation and stress reduction associated with sex can lead to better sleep quality.
Exercise: Pause … Visualize drifting off to sleep (more) easily, feeling calm and content after a satisfying experience.
9. Potential for Increased Lifespan: Some studies suggest a link between regular sexual activity and a longer lifespan, although more research is needed to confirm this connection.
Exercise: Pause … Think of it as a potential bonus - but be intentional and commit daily to a holistically healthy lifestyle with various fulfilling activities – the key to unlocking your wellness wealth.
10. Greater Self-awareness: Exploring your sexuality and openly communicating about your needs and desires can contribute to a better understanding of yourself and your preferences. On this thrilling journey of self-discovery - uncover what brings you pleasure and fulfillment.
Exercise: Pause … In this journey of self-realization, envision gaining a (more) profound sense of who you are and what truly matters to you.
11. Sharpens Mental Acuity: Increased blood flow benefits cognitive function and brain activity. According to an NIH study, “maintaining healthy sexual relationships in later life may be associated with better cognitive function” (PMID: 26826237).
Exercise: Pause … Visualize yourself (loving the process of) discovering new knowledge and engaging in fun and stimulating mental exercises.
Action It!
“My lover is to me a sachet of myrrh resting between my breasts.” Holy Bible: Songs of Solomon 1:13
Empowering actions are often disruptive but necessary for deserving fulfillment; sex is one of those empowering actions. Toxic relationships, traumatic and often violent experiences, archaic and sexist worldviews - along with policies and laws that are audacious, intrusive, and malicious - have all conspired to deprive sexual intimacy of its joyful intention.
Move decisively and intentionally to confront the barriers that stand between you and the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual benefits of sexual intimacy; your well-being necessitates it.
Have transparent conversations within the safety of your village – your partner, your empathic friends, your medical professional(s), your therapist, and your life coach. Transparency is a powerful path to healing, resetting, and elevating your intimate sacred space.
Step out into bold! Step out into deserving! Unapologetically enjoy sex with its erotic intensity, spiritual intimacy, endorphin-releasing chemistry, and “Yeah Baby” erogenous indulgence.
At 4am Wellness Crew, we provide coaching to assist you in transforming your aspirational wellness goals into daily reality. Relationship challenges? Unhealthy habits? Weight management struggles? Burnout? Our holistic wellness programs offer accountability, motivation, and expert support to live your deserving best life.
Begin your uplifting wellness journey today by signing up for your free consultation.
Image Credits
1. Ketut Subiyanto, pexels
2. Lucianna Photography, pexels
3. Jack Sparrow, pexels
Ready to start your wellness journey?
Visit our Wellness Coaching page to learn more and schedule your consultation today!
