By: Doin’ it and doin’ it and doin’ it well is more than knowing how to hit it right. The real flex? Doin’ everything you can to keep your mind and body healthy AF. Below, we’re coming through with a set of New Year’s resolutions that’ll improve your sexual wellbeing and, in turn, your whole sex life.
1. Be clear about your boundaries.
Whether your sex possibilities are endless or there are a few things you’re not quite ready to try yet, let your partner know what’s up. Healthy sex requires everyone involved to respect the others’ level of comfortability. Not sure exactly how to voice your needs, wants, concerns? Show them what you like and tell them to focus on that. And, if at any point your boundaries change, update your partner on that, too.
2. Get tested regularly.
Probably the most obvious resolution on this list, knowing your status is hella important in maintaining the sexual health of you and everyone else you engage with intimately. At least once a year — more often if you have multiple partners or are having unprotected sex — make it a point to visit your doctor or a local testing site. To make things simple, schedule your testing right alongside your yearly physical.
3. Finally start using that period app.
They’re not just for letting you know when your monthly is about to flow. These apps can also alert you to sudden changes in your cycle, help you understand mood and motivation changes that may occur at different menstrual phases, and clue you in to your ovulation window — which can help you plan your sexual activities and birth control methods (or pregancy tries) even better.
4. Reevaluate your birth control.
Maybe you’re just starting out in your sexual health journey and want to learn more about the different types of contraception and their levels of effectiveness — from condoms, pills, and patches to implants, injections, and more. Or, maybe you’ve noticed, as you’ve gotten older, a change in the way your body reacts to your current regimen and are in search of alternatives. It’s always a good idea to do your research and talk to your doctor, so you can choose the safest, most reliable options for you.
5. Shut down masturbation embarrassment.
Flushed cheeks, pounding heart, sweaty brow. This is how your body can react to pleasure — or shame, including the shame many people (especially women) still feel about touching themselves. This one may take some time to resolve, but remembering that practically everyone does it as a normal, healthy, sexual practice may help you over that hump (pun intended). In 2022, make it a goal to tap into the pleasurable side of things.
6. Care for your mental health.
If your mind and body aren’t vibing, your sex life won’t be either. Things like stress, anxiety, depression/PTSD, and a lack of body positivity can prevent you and your partner from fully enjoying the experience; these thoughts and feelings can even block physical responses of arousal.
To help balance your overall wellbeing, find a therapist to guide you while you work through overwhelming worries, past traumas, and self-esteem issues. The more accepting, understanding, and loving you are not only of your body but also of the way you process emotions, the more apt you are to let someone else in — literally and figuratively.
Andrea Butler
Her friends call her “Ms. Correcto,” as Andréa Butler lives for editing and writing. Adept at crafting witty turns of phrase, as well as informative, clever, and compelling copy on various topics, she has penned articles for sites, such as LivingSocial, Onboardly, Talbot Digital, Xickle, Rachel Ray, and more over the past 10 years. She currently enjoys the life of a freelancer, writing all day in her pjs.
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