If life has felt like an uphill battle in recent months, we hear you. Yet in challenging times, it’s still possible to spark joy, especially with these easy practices designed to boost your mood, health, and bring the passion back into the bedroom.
The New Optimism
Science shows that a daily affirmations practice rewires your brain in a more positive way. Write out an empowering, uplifting mantra to live by and stick it on your fridge or bathroom mirror and read and recite it out loud every day. Oh, and while you’re at it, share the love, as you too will benefit. Random acts of kindness are scientifically proven to improve the giver's health and wellness as much as the receiver. So greet your barista with a (socially distant but warm) smile, give back to the community through volunteer or service work, and compliment and empower all of those you hold dear.
Daily Moments of Grace
Over dinner with your family or roommates, discuss your rose and thorn. Your thorn is something that was prickly or challenging in your day, and your rose is something that you’re grateful for, and that brings you a sense of joy. Always end on a rose. Empowerment psychic Elana Kilkenny calls these daily moments of grace, and they can be found in the simplest things. Remember to open the windows to let the fresh air in and energy flow, add fresh flowers to your dining table, make an upbeat playlist (Beyonce and Bossa Nova will lift your mood), or try a meditation sound bath. Sara Auster has free sound baths on her Instagram page that are magical.
Cultivate Sexual Mindfulness
Reigniting the passion by engaging in a steamy sexual tryst (alone or with your partner) is a sure-fire way to get those endorphins pumping. If you lack desire, try practicing the art of sexual mindfulness. Sex coach Dr. Jenn recommends doing this by getting present in your body first and then initiating simple physical touch with your partner through a melting hug. It's not like just a passing hug; you and your partner hold each other while taking deep breaths together to create a brief sacred space to reunite and prioritize connection in your relationship. If you prefer to go it alone, we’re big fans of masturbation for the health and pleasure benefits it brings. Try slowing down, exploring your body more, and invest in some new sex toys. We love these good vibrations from Dame.
Daily Reward
Plan a reward or treat to indulge in at the end of a long day. Try a relaxing bath or DIY spa session with Cleo’s HYDRATE face mask and REJUVENATE eye mask. Cook a beautiful meal and pair it with a glass of your favorite wine. Set up a Zoom session with your squad, or if you’re in a more mellow space, cozy up with a good book, try mediation, or go for a sunset stroll through the park. Getting back to nature calms your mind and boosts your mood.
Visualization breathing
Breathing is one of the quickest and easy ways to induce calm and feelings of pleasure. Try this balloon inflating visualization technique for instant stress relief.
- Get into a comfy position and close your eyes.
- Breathe in gently through your nose and out through your mouth.
- As you inhale, imagine your tummy is inflating with air like a balloon.
- As you exhale, imagine the air slowly escaping from the balloon.
- To boost relaxation, imagine the balloon is your favorite color and that you’re floating higher into the sky with each breath.
Here’s to enjoying more pleasure in every part of your life.
