Feeling down? Sex has many health benefits. It reduces stress, lowers high blood pressure, improves the quality of sleep and overall thinking process.
A new study shows that having frequent and good quality sex can add more meaning to life.
Sex Can Add More Meaning To Life
Todd B. Kashdan, a professor in Department of Psychology at George Mason University, conducted the survey with 152 participants, mostly women, to explore the relationship between quality of sex and the meaning of life.
Women were asked questions about their current romantic relationship, the longevity of their relationship, and how meaningful they felt their life was. Each day, the women had to report if they had sex or not and what type of sexual activity they had — whether it was passionate kissing, oral sex, etc.
Results show that having high sexual activity suggested that people had a positive mood the next day.
"As for the quality of episodes, higher reported sexual pleasure and intimacy predicted greater positive affect and lower negative affect the following day. When the reverse direction was tested, well-being did not predict next-day sexual activity, pleasure, or intimacy," reported the study.
The study revealed that people showing more affection towards each other led to higher levels of meaning in life and offered positive sexual experiences.
The data also provide evidence that continual sexual activity creates healthy relationships.
Sexual activity increases levels of oxytocin and dopamine, which are linked to positive moods in both men and women. In addition, prior studies have shown that sex has the ability to reduce stress, high blood pressure, and improve stress response. Sexual activity also boosts energy levels.
Previous studies have also linked sex to happiness. More than 16,000 American men and women were surveyed and reported more sex lead to higher levels of happiness. This was regardless of their gender and age.
"Research also found that the high quality of sexual activity and experiences are related, but distinct, in their relevance to well-being. In 3,800 adults, better quality sex (higher frequency of orgasms and emotional and physical satisfaction) was associated with greater subjective happiness," said the study.
Having sex a few times a week can not only improve significant relationships, but it can also help people live longer. Other benefits include burning calories, feeling good, and staying close to your significant other.
