Are you looking to add more excitement to your sex life? How about satisfaction and stimulation? If your physical relationship with your partner is not what you want it to be, here are a few things you can do and what you should keep in mind:

● Set the mood. It is hard to get in the mood when you are focused on a million things. Scheduling sex may sound not so romantic, but why not add it to the calendar? It is best to schedule enough time to cool down and relax before engaging in sexual activity. When you are your most relaxed and in the mood, the more pleasure you will be able to experience.

● Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings before sex. If your brain is running and making you feel guilty or too fat or ugly or whatever, stop it. Recognize these thoughts when they come up and then change them into more productive ones. People with more open attitudes about sex are more likely to explore their sexuality guilt-free.

● Use lubricants. Sex can be more pleasurable with lubricants. This cuts down on irritation, friction, and discomfort, particularly for women. You can buy lubricant from most drug stores or use household items, like coconut oil. Make sure to use a nonlatex condom if you are using a household lubricant because it could damage the latex. If you want to use lubricant, do not be embarrassed or try to hide it from your partner. Make it part of your routine.

● Get more exercise or take up yoga. Exercise is important in all aspects of life, and sex is no different. Blood flows to your genitals as much as it does to your heart. Men with ED (erectile dysfunction) can sometimes reverse that problem through exercise. Yoga can aid your libido and make sex more enjoyable through improved flexibility.

● Get enough sleep. Sleep is a major factor in libido. Hormone secretion is controlled by the body’s internal clock, and sleep patterns help the body determine when to release sex hormones. Feeling tired when you get into bed can ruin whatever libido you had prior for men and women. For men, more sleep can boost testosterone levels.

● Try aphrodisiacs. Some herbs and foods are known to help boost arousal. Some herbs include Chinese ginseng, muira puama, Cordyceps, and ginkgo Biloba. Most drugstores will have sexual health supplements available. Aphrodisiac foods include oysters, strawberries, figs, chocolate, artichokes, and more.

● Masturbate. Experimenting with yourself can help you get to know what satisfies you better. For women, vaginal dryness and pain can be reduced with self-stimulation. Sex therapists often recommend women masturbate when they are having trouble reaching orgasm.