by Rosemary Brennan

For most of us our bedroom is just that: a room with a bed. But your love life is something that feeds off all of the senses and your bedroom should facilitate that sensual stimulation.

We asked Dr. Kerner for a few fresh ideas about spicing up both long-term and new relationships and he was thrilled to share his expert advice. Here’s what he had to say:

According to recent reports, it’s estimated that 40 million Americans are stuck in a rut and more than 52% of us are dissatisfied with our love lives. With typically less-hectic schedules in the summer, this is the perfect time to kindle a new relationship and really set it a flame, or reconnect with your long-term love for a refreshed connection that will last the whole year long.

1. Work it Out! Outdoor hiking or indoor exercise, you can actually use your workout as “sweat equity” for improved intimacy–studies show that sweat releases hormones that act like fabulous pheromones! Find physical activities that both you and your partner will enjoy, like a run along a scenic route, it will not only help release intimacy encouraging hormones to use when you get home, but are great activities to help you connect as a couple.

2. Transform Your Bedroom into a Love Nest. For most of us our bedroom is just that: a room with a bed. But your love life is something that feeds off all of the senses and your bedroom should facilitate that sensual stimulation. Things like soft sheets that make you want to get between them, to lighting that is warm and makes you feel good about your body. Think about all those little touches that add a sense of coziness and sensuality that will really help couples reconnect.

3. Invest in Some “Non-Sleep” Aids. Your love life shouldn’t be a snooze, and every couple can use some sensual pick-me ups. Whether you keep them in a special drawer, in a box at the top of the closet, or even prominently displayed on your nightstand. Also, a little extra foreplay can mean the difference between the “best sex ever” and the “best sex never.” Intimacy research shows a dramatic correlation between the attention spent before the “fireworks” and the likelihood of a big explosion for both partners. Foreplay in general is a critical, but often overlooked element to healthy intimacy. Consider trying K-Y YOURS+MINE Kissable Sensations for the Body. It encourages couples to explore each other and discover pleasurable foreplay never before imagined.

4. Set Up Your Staycation. With the economy still shaky, you may not be able to go somewhere exotic and instead have to choose the couch over the conch shell. But with a little extra planning you can turn a week at home into a rendezvous that can reignite the romance with your partner! The key is carving out the time just as if you were away, shut out the world and create a cocoon-like effect to help you connect. For instance, use the free time to do romantic things you may typically neglect, such as planning a candlelit picnic in the backyard, or cuddle up for a movie night while feeding each other snacks and sharing a foot rub.

5. Hold Hands and Cuddle. Intimacy research shows a dramatic correlation between the attention spent before “lighting the bedroom fireworks”, and the likelihood of a big explosion for both partners! It’s not just what happens behind the bedroom door either, as studies show as little as 20 seconds spent on something as simple as a hug releases oxytocin, known by experts as “the cuddle hormone” and facilitates a sense of love and connection. After getting home from work, transition into the evening with a 20 second hug.

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Read full article in Glamour

 

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