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The dreaded abstinence dry spell.

It can significantly affect our psyches, if we let it. Whether we go without sex for a period of time by choice or by necessity, it happens to everyone at some point or another. For example, after having a child, women are told not to have sex for six weeks. It’s for our basic health and well being, and if you’re a very sexual creature, you might find it difficult or even devastating to go without.

But there are definitely advantages to taking a break and entering into a period of abstinence. In fact, other areas of your life could benefit greatly from the time off. Consider some of these before you start crying in your Cosmopolitans.

Sleep

Considering that lovemaking tends to happen at night, you can imagine that the preparation, foreplay, and intercourse typically cut into sleep time. After all, we have a lot going on in our lives, and we can’t really cut back on work to make time for sex. So, if you have a month or two without sex, it can help you get to bed earlier and get more rest. This can result in an overall rejuvenation of the mind and body, even slowly down aging and sharpening the mind. Other restful activities, such as soaking in a bath or practicing meditation, can also help in this area.

Productivity

I put a lot of energy into sex. Thought, action, analysis. And it all adds up to a very deep focus. However, when you aren’t focused on sex, you have a great deal of time and energy that has to go somewhere. Sex experts say that this energy has to go somewhere, and you could find yourself benefiting in several areas of your life. Perhaps you’ll focus more on advancing your career, or you might exercise more and really get in shape. Have you been looking forward to starting an new hobby or reading a particular book? This is the time to do it, when sex is not a distraction. Embrace the solitude you have during this time for self care and new experiences you would otherwise put off in favor of that next interlude, and you’ll find that you’re more satisfied and less concerned with your next conquest.

abstinence

Of course, there’s not a lot you can do to escape the cravings you may have. But think of it in a similar fashion to stopping an addiction, such as smoking. Exerts in smoking cessation state that ‘putting it off’ can have a very positive effect on cravings. Tell yourself you’re going to complete a task, and then you’ll think about it. When the task is complete, find another distraction after which you’ll think about it. And so on.

While sex is a very important part of our health, sometimes we let the need for it take hold, and it becomes too high a priority. That’s not to say we should all practice celibacy forever. But taking advantage of a period of abstinence to better other areas of your life and improve certain aspects of your health is something that should be welcomed rather than dreaded.

 

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