Sexual Wellness And Social Distancing
With social distancing guidelines and lockdown in place, it’s more important now than ever to be aware of and take care of our mental and physical wellbeing. Wellbeing is affected by everything from work, family, health concerns, the food we’re eating, the activities we’re participating in, to the sex that we’re having (or not having). This month, we’ll be focusing on the latter – sexual wellbeing; specifically how to achieve or maintain good sexual wellness during social isolation.
How do we define sexual wellness?
Sexual wellness goes beyond the bedroom. It isn’t just about being sexually intimate, it’s about self-esteem, the quality of our relationships, and the connection we feel to ourselves and others in sexual and sensual settings. Sexual wellness is something that can impact all aspects of life, which means thinking about what’s best for your physical and mental wellbeing, as well as making ethical decisions on a personal and societal level.
Achieving good sexual wellness can include:
- Taking care of your body, staying healthy and being aware of how your body changes and reacts. Attend regular STI screenings or smear checks. If your body feels uncomfortable, listen to it. Experiencing vaginal dryness? Don’t ignore it, seek advice from a health care professional or use a product to help ease symptoms such as a vaginal moisturising gel like YES VM.
- Making healthy choices for your body through the products that you choose. Consider using toys made without phthalates and avoid using lubes that contain synthetically derived ingredients, parabens, silicone and glycerine or glycols. YES products are certified organic, made only with natural, ethically sourced ingredients.
- If necessary, reshaping your version of what’s ‘normal’ when it comes to sex and embracing your sexual wellness by having the confidence to have conversations about pleasure, with yourself as well as partners.
- Considering ethics and sustainability – how was the porn you watch or the products that you use, produced? Were the actors treated and paid fairly? Are the ingredients and materials used to make the product sustainably sourced?
Sexual wellness is different for each of us, and will change throughout our lives. By considering what’s best for our bodies and making conscious choices before, during, and after sex, we can keep our bodies happy and ensure the sex we’re having is a nourishing component to our lives. Visit our blog to check out our top tips for making the most of the bedroom and getting intimate (either by yourself or with a partner) during social isolation.
