Cultivating a healthy libido is similar to maintaining physical fitness or mental well-being: It takes dedication and time. It is vital to remember that, like other bodily functions, libido can fluctuate. Although a consistently vigorous libido is desirable, it is natural for the sex drive to vary, sometimes strong and sometimes dormant. If you’re having trouble getting arousal, you should know that you’re not alone. The good news is that there are effective strategies to rekindle your sex drive. The enjoyment and anticipation of sex is something everyone is entitled to experience.

The Every Girl has compiled seven key strategies women use to cultivate their sex drive:

Value your personal time

Like any aspect of self-care, libido can benefit from personal time. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with your body and assess your state of mind. Anxiety can manifest itself in a number of ways, including physical discomfort or decreased libido. Engaging in self-care activities such as exercising, meditating, keeping a journal, enjoying a relaxing bath, or preparing a favorite meal is vital. These activities provide a mental break, necessary to feel good, especially when external pressures are intense.

Explore new avenues

If you feel the need to boost your libido, then it may be time to try new experiences. Whether you’re in a relationship that’s going through a slump, or you’re single and not very sexually active, changing up your routine can be beneficial. You can, for example, try out new sex toys, a variety of adult content, or take time to masturbate in a relaxing environment. If you’re in a relationship, experimenting with aphrodisiacs, watching adult content together, or introducing games into the sexual experience can boost your libido and strengthen your relationship. Constantly seeking out new experiences can maintain a healthy sex drive.

Understand your preferences

Maintaining a healthy libido requires knowing what you like and what you don’t. You can always explore these aspects. Experimenting with new postures, role-playing, or adopting pleasures you haven’t tried before can go a long way. Put aside the socially acceptable standards of what people should enjoy sexually and do what you really like and turn you on. The body and libido are yours to explore and enjoy and external judgment has no meaning and no raison d’être.

Promote trust and open communication

Feeling safe and secure is essential if you want to ensure a satisfying sexual experience. If something is missing, the first thing you should do if you are in a relationship is to communicate your needs openly. Approach this discussion with openness and be prepared to both tell and listen to the other side. In a relationship, physical intimacy often reflects emotional connection. Communication is, in any case, the key.

Exercise regularly

Regular exercise is closely linked to a healthy libido. The endorphins released during physical activity and the positive impact on body image can significantly influence sexual desire. Research indicates a link between body image and sexual confidence. Regular exercise and body care contribute decisively to the cultivation of self-confidence and the enhancement of libido.

Get rid of social pressure

Social pressures, especially on women, including sexual expectations, can be overwhelming. It is important to recognize the diversity in libido. Fluctuations in sex drive are normal. So it is important to get rid of imposed beliefs. Focus on enjoying sexual experiences on your own terms.

Consult a health professional

Your libido deserves as much attention as any other aspect of your health. The above strategies can improve libido, however there may be underlying issues that may need professional attention. Factors such as medication, physical or hormonal changes can affect libido. If you are dealing with a consistently low sex drive, it doesn’t hurt to turn to a specialist, who will direct you to an effective way of dealing with the problem.