This is a Guest Post by SheSpot as part of our collaboration in the Autumn 2022 Sexual Wellness box.

There’s a common misconception that ‘sexual wellness’ is just about sex, confined to the bedroom. However, our sexuality and pleasure cannot exist in a vacuum. So many day-to-day factors can influence the quality of our sexual life and how we feel in our bodies and minds.  At SheSpot, we believe in a holistic approach to sexual wellness, focusing on creating safe environments, lowering stress and anxiety, and learning about what makes you tick. 

Shaking up the daily grind 

Imagine you’ve had a stressful day at work, you haven’t had time to exercise or unwind, and you’re still processing the day. You’re probably not going to feel in touch with your body, and you’re unlikely to be in the mood for anything sexual (with yourself or a partner!). 

Now imagine you take some time to read or stretch to calm your mind. You put on some music, light your favourite candle and then apply some aromatherapy balm to your wrists and neck. Finally, you indulge your skin with your favourite body oil and take some deep, calming breaths. Maybe you’re feeling more in the mood to check in with yourself and perhaps even pick up that vibrator! 

Nurturing sexual wellness can look different for everyone. Still, this example shows how a broad range of activities and circumstances can influence how you feel about your mind, body and sexuality. 

Rather than focusing purely on sexual acts, nurturing your sexual wellness is an active process of prioritising self-love, both physically and emotionally. It could include everything from mood setting, meditation and education to intimate care, self-pleasure and more. 

Why is sexual wellness so essential?

Feeling sexually ‘well’ has countless (and wide-ranging!) benefits that impact all areas of our lives. Some of these may surprise you - here are our favourites: 

Improved confidence (in all areas of life!)

When we’re able to regulate our mood and anticipate the needs of our bodies, it can be an incredibly empowering experience. 

Maybe you learn how best to support your body during your period or menopause, or you get a feel for the kind of stimulation you need during times of stress or high pressure. Knowing ourselves intimately can allow us to take ownership of our well-being daily and boost our self-esteem. The benefits of this extend far beyond the bedroom and into the boardroom. 

All round health benefits

Taking care of our sexual wellness has a multitude of health benefits, here are just a few: 

• Research indicates that vaginal stimulation can raise your pain threshold and block chronic back and leg pain, as well as menstrual cramps and headaches!

• Studies suggest orgasms release prolactin and other chemicals that flush cortisol out of the body, helping to lower our stress levels and aid in a night of restful sleep.

• Understanding how our bodies work also helps alert us when things aren't quite right.  By exploring what’s normal for you, you can seek medical support if you notice any concerning changes as soon as they occur. 

Healthier relationships and boundaries 

Exploring your sexuality and pleasure will almost certainly boost your understanding of what makes you tick  (and maybe what gives you the ick!)

This will, in turn, allow you to achieve a richer appreciation of your standards, boundaries and expectations when it comes to partnered sex in particular, creating a much safer and more empowering experience. 

A deeper understanding of your body and preferences can also allow you to articulate better what gives you pleasure. 

Inspiring others and shedding shame

Sexual wellness isn’t just about physical acts; it can also mean learning how our bodies work and sharing knowledge with others. 

Our sexuality and personal health can feel very private, and it’s ok to keep it that way. But suppose you feel passionate about any new product or activity you’ve tried. In that case, discussions between friends can help to break down archaic taboos around health, pleasure and women’s sexuality in particular.  

Normalising these topics helps to encourage all women to take ownership of their pleasure - leading to healthier, happier and safer sexual lives for everyone!

A holistic approach

Your sexual wellness is a crucial element of your well-being and can impact every aspect of how you feel and connect with others. 

Rather than thinking about masturbation or sex as an isolated activity, SheSpot encourages you to see your sexuality and pleasure as intertwined with your daily life. In practice, this means learning about your unique needs and giving yourself the self-love your mind and body crave at that moment. In doing so, a vast array of benefits will follow…

About SheSpot

SheSpot is a first-of-its-kind sexual wellness box specifically designed for women. Our curated bundles contain a holistic self-love experience - from mood-setting treats to luxury intimate and pleasure products.

SheSpot's mission is to help women confidently explore their pleasure with zero shame or stigma (whether single, in a relationship or anywhere in between!).

As female founders, we believe experimenting with sexual wellness products is an incredible way to learn about your body, boost self-esteem and enjoy healthier relationships with others. We are uncompromising in featuring only premium, body-safe and ethically made products in our SheSpot boxes, creating a trusted and accessible entry point into the world of sexual wellness (at a fraction of the usual price).