Tree lights twinklier than your love life? Take our seven-day challenge to boost things in the bedroom
WORDS: SAMANTHA WOOD. PHOTOS (POSED BY MODELS): GETTY. *SURVEY BY KWAI GARLIC. **LUVBITES.CO. * * *LIFEARCHITEKTURE.COM. ****NOOTROEDGE.COM. IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH, SEE YOUR GP
Been a while since you got frisky between the sheets? Almost 45%* of mid-lifers say they’re having ‘less sex than ever before’ – and while we don’t often shout about dry spells, they are more common than you might think. ‘There are many reasons why women experience sexual disconnection,’ says sex and relationship expert Dr Tara Suwinyattichaiporn**. ‘Busy, stressful lives get in the way, perimenopause symptoms can cause a decline in libido and sex in a long-term relationship may have become boring.’
Want to get back on track? Try our sexy festive challenge that will have you sizzling instead of fizzling before the week is through.
DAY 1 Ditch your devices
Spend most evenings scrolling? ‘If you don’t turn your phone off when you’re with your partner, your attention is naturally divided,’ says psychology expert Bayu Prihandito**. Agree to switch off your electronics and use the time as a distraction-free few hours to mentally and emotionally reconnect. ‘You could cook dinner together or talk about the day. Being responsive to your partner is an essential part of intimacy,’ says Bayu.
✱ TURN IT UP Think of a more intimate way to spend that phone-free time – suggest a foot rub, share a bubble bath or choose a movie that might set your pulses racing.
DAY 2 Give a compliment
If it’s been forever since you used (or heard) the words ‘you look so hot!’ then things need to change. ‘Cultivate the habit of giving your partner at least one genuine compliment daily and you’re likely to kick off a mutual exchange,’ says Bayu. ‘Noticing something about your partner and giving and receiving affirmation makes you feel wanted and can bring you closer.’
✱ TURN IT UP Give your partner a big cuddle, or a long kiss – and then tell them how much you enjoyed it. It might feel weird at first, but it’s likely to open the door to more intimate affection.
DAY 3
Work up a sweat
‘Moving your body releases endorphins, so doing this as a couple mimics the physical responses your bodies have when connecting sexually, boosting mutual attraction,’ says Bayu. Suggest a physic
