Three days of dishes to boost your sex drive
Film star Gwyneth
If you’re in a long-term marriage, then sizzling sex might not be on the agenda. Years of routine and familiarity can boost relationships when it comes to friendship and parenting – but it can dampen excitement between the sheets. According to researchers at Florida State University, there are strong links between the frequency of good sex and its positive impact on a relationship. The study, published in Psychological Science, found that one roll in the hay produced an “afterglow” of wellbeing and satisfaction for both partners that lasted around two days. Getting frisky can also slash stress levels, prevent cancer and lower the risk of heart attacks. So how do you reconnect physically with your spouse and keep the spark alive? Michaela Boehm, 52, is the best in the business when it comes to answering this question. The world-renowned intimacy and relationship expert from Austria has spent the past two decades counselling A-list celebrities including Gwyneth Paltrow and Will Smith. Her work involves teaching people to meet adversity head on, and she recently hit the headlines for recommending spend time apart. But she doesn’t only deal with the rich and famous. She also offers classes at €40 per person in London, Amsterdam, Melbourne, Sydney, New York and LA. Michaela says the most important marker of a successful long-term relationship is generosity. Not the financial kind, but of the heart and spirit – saying something nice, making dinner for someone – that builds intimacy and leads to great sex. Here, Michaela breaks down her steps to steamy success:
Good sex starts with being connected to yourself and your partner, both physically and emotionally. This isn’t about having a conversation while the TV is blaring in the background, or squeezing in a make-out session between errands. Connection and intimacy must be a priority. Turning the TV off, putting your phones down and having a cup of tea while looking at each other. Go for a walk and hold hands, or sit in nature – simply, any activity you can enjoy together without the interruption of technology.
When you’re hoping for a session of intimacy, don’t prelude it with business as usual. There’s nothing interesting about discussing bills or quibbling over who should take the dog out.
Daily hum-drum is boring, so trying new things will rekindle the exciting emotions you felt when you
Michaela
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Breakfast: Poach or scramble two eggs for a hit of omega-3 – great for boosting lubrication in the body. Enjoy your eggs on rye or wholegrain bread for a steady release of energy. Drinks: Swap coffee for green tea. It will