Hello there! It has been a while seeing each other, all credit goes to Mr. Pandemic and the reason for all of our new thoughts. Yes, we are discussing what you are thinking right now but in a scientific way. I am here to make you understand and come up from it.
Stress is a part of life and behind those unconscious fight and flight reactions, powerful hormones like ADRENALINE and CORTISOL play a major role. Both of these hormones release from the same adrenal glands yet cortisol takes more time to feel and to wear off.
Nowadays the stress we feel is chronic in nature, not a fight and slight reaction to the stimulus or situation as we are not facing a lion or immediate stress. When we feel stressed endorphins are released which decreases LH (Luteinizing Hormone) which is important for sex hormone. And our cortisol which is the villain of the story inhibits both male and female sex hormones (Testosterone, Follicle stimulating hormone, estrogen, progesterone).
Managing physical and emotional consequences of stress causes additional stress to the body which further lowers the levels of sex hormones. Usually, after a stressful situation, your cortisol and adrenaline levels will go back to a normal level and feel calm and we are at ease just like after the sexual act all the hormones going back to their shelves.
However, we are discussing chronic stress in modern-day society mainly caused by work stress or pressure which has effects on bodily functions and puts us at risk of health problems including heart diseases, insomnia, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, LOSS OF LIBIDO, and disorders such as IBS(Irritable Bowel Syndrome), memory loss and weight gain.
As we mainly focus on the loss of libido, a simple logic pops up “when you are under stress your genitals are not as important as your brain”.
From a psychological point of view, stress can dip or spike up your drive. Stress up at work and we go home craving for relaxing; a physical intimacy with our partner to get distracted from. Whether are not we are in the act the thought of wanting to relax makes you think to have more of it. So a welcome distraction at home to increase your libido. On the other hand, feeling upset and worried about things at work consume your brain and won't allow you to be physical.
“You will experience your brain being busy or its been fogged by work”.
How to reduce your cortisol and get back to active sex life
Exercise, sleep well and eat healthily. It looks easy that done, but these things in rotating will really help you through the problem in no time.
Breathing exercises
Meditation
Concentrating your mind on happy peaceful memories
Muscles relaxation
Exercise - During and after exercise it's natural that cortisol levels increase but it's quite normal. Doing regular and moderate exercise is suggested.
Sleep deprivation - It could lead to an increase in cortisol levels, avoid caffeine, limit your exposure to bright light that is your phone screen in the evening especially. Have fun activities and adopting an animal companion can change it all in the swing.
Eat health - yogurt, dark chocolate, kiwi, pears, asparagus, green tea, sweet potato, bananas.
We always take your mental health very seriously and you should too.
“Your mental health will affect your physical being evidently”
“Don’t let your work hijack your personal space”
“Remember we are in the modern world, mental health is the key to survival”
Manas is always here to help you, don’t hesitate to call us in need of counseling.
Rakesh Gorle
Coordinator
Your Psychologist at Manas
Spoilers alert: Next blog on how anxiety plays its role in sexual dysfunctions.
