Between gift lists, wrapping marathons, family gatherings, and a never-ending to-do list, it’s no wonder you’re feeling a little… tense. The holiday season (or really any busy stretch of life) can be, well, a lot – and stress isn’t just exhausting, it’s also one of the biggest libido killers. 

When that connection starts to slip, it can affect more than your sex life. Over time, avoiding intimacy can strain your relationship, lower your mood, and even impact your overall health. 

So, you may be asking: Does sex help with stress?

Spoiler alert: sex definitely can help with stress, and in more ways than one. When life gets chaotic, slowing down with your partner (and maybe losing a few layers while you’re at it) can be the perfect reset. 

It’s not just about fun and pleasure – it’s about reconnecting, unwinding, and remembering that sometimes, the best way to de-stress is to get a little undressed.

Why Sex Is the Ultimate Stress Relief (for Both of You)

When life starts to pile on – deadlines, family chaos, and an endless checklist – it’s only natural to look for ways to chill out. Sometimes that means retreating into solo comfort: scrolling your phone, binge-watching a comfort show, taking a long bubble bath, or indulging in something sweet to take the edge off. And while those little rituals can help, they can also pull us inward – away from our partner – right when we both need connection most. 

The truth is, even when it feels like we don’t have the energy to get in the mood, sex itself can be one of the best ways to de-stress. It helps to shift your mindset from seeing sex as something you give to your partner, to something you share – and something you also get to receive. When you start to view sex as a way to unwind together, it becomes a powerful act of connection and shared coping, not just another thing on the to-do list. 

You’ve probably asked yourself: Does sex help with stress? Science (and plenty of happy couples) say yes. Beyond the obvious pleasure, sex actually works as a natural stress reliever that helps you reconnect, recharge, relax, and feel closer than ever.

Here’s how sex actually helps with stress:

• The ultimate feel-good cocktail: During sex, your body releases oxytocin, dopamine, and endorphins, nature’s mood-boosting 1-2-3 punch that instantly eases tension and lifts your spirits.
• Stress hormones, begone: Sex helps quiet cortisol and adrenaline (those pesky stress culprits), which is especially powerful support during perimenopause and menopause.
• Eases anxiety: Touch, cuddling, and shared intimacy can soothe anxious thoughts and foster a sense of safety and comfort.
• Improves sleep: Post-sex cuddling, oxytocin release, and a calmer mind help you drift off more easily.
• Bonding at its best: Physical closeness strengthens emotional connection, helping you both feel more grounded, open, and united when life feels overwhelming.

Who needs a yoga mat when your own body chemistry knows exactly how to help you relax? 

Set the Scene for Connection With Sex to Destress

So now that you know the answer to “does sex help stress” is a definite yes, the next step is creating the right environment for it to happen naturally. Because when life feels chaotic, connection doesn’t just appear out of thin air – it’s something you set the stage for. 

If you’re wondering how to turn that “we’re both exhausted” energy into “let’s get closer” energy, it all starts with intention. 

Getting in the mood begins long before the bedroom – it’s about creating an atmosphere that helps you both slow down and shake off the day’s stress together. From the lighting to your mindset, a few small, intentional shifts can help you both calm down, tune in, and make space for closeness. 

Here are a few quick ways to ease into connection and help the day's stress fade away:

• Unplug and be present: Turn off your phones (yes, both of you – it’s time to unplug) and give each other some screen-free space to breathe and fully tune into each other.
• Take a moment to unload: If the day’s been wild and your mind’s racing, give each other a few minutes to talk it out. Releasing those thoughts before sex makes it so much easier to shift gears and slip into a more sensual, relaxed headspace.
• Set the vibe: Light a candle, put on some sexy playlist music, or take a moment to hug it out; small gestures that help you shift from “go mode” to “slow mode.”
• Dress for desire: Slip into a little lingerie something from Mentionables that makes you feel confident, irresistible, and completely in your element.

MENTIONABLES PROTIP: Start the mood before the lights go down – try sexting or sending a cheeky compliment during the day to build anticipation. Then, when you’re finally together, take a moment to just look at each other. Eye contact alone can spark connection and instantly bring you closer. Need a few playful ways to drop the hint? Check out our guide on ways to initiate sex for flirty ideas that turn anticipation into action.

The Slow, Sensual Approach for Sex to Relieve Stress

If stress has you feeling on edge, you might ask: Does sex help with stress? When life feels chaotic, it’s tempting to look for quick fixes to unwind – but when it comes to sex, slowing down is where the real magic happens. It’s not about rushing to the finish line – it’s about connection that melts tension away, one touch at a time.

When you shift the focus from performance to pleasure – from “getting it done” to enjoying the moment – sex becomes more than stress release. It becomes a slow, sensual act of reconnection that leaves you both feeling calmer, lighter, and totally in tune.

Forget quick fixes – go for connection that melts the stress away:

• Take your time: Touch more, hug longer, kiss slower. The longer you linger, the easier it is for your body (and mind) to relax into the moment, especially when it comes to sex.
• Make it about feeling, not finishing: Try a slow, gentle body massage, playful teasing, or breathing together to sync your energy and deepen your connection. Engage all the senses for a full-body sensory sex experience.
• Keep the spark fresh: Explore new sex positions that encourage eye contact and closeness, adding just enough novelty to make things feel alive and rejuvenating.

MENTIONABLES PROTIP: Try pausing between touches or kisses to feel your partner’s reactions, share a whispered compliment, or let your hands linger just a bit longer than usual. These tiny pauses during sex create space to check in with each other and naturally bring your attention to the present moment. 

Be Here Now: Mindfulness To Destress During Sex

Even when the lights are low and the mood is perfect, your mind can wander – to tomorrow’s to-do list, the chaos of the day, or worries like, “Does my body look right?” or “I don’t feel very sexy tonight.” Totally normal, but it can tempt you to overthink instead of over-enjoy. 

When you let yourself focus on the moment, it’s easy to see and feel the answer to “does sex help with stress;” it absolutely can, especially when you get out of your head and into your body.

When you’re present, every breath, touch, and whisper feels amplified. It’s not about performing or reaching a goal; it’s about noticing what feels good during sex, both emotionally and physically, and letting yourself relax into it.

Try these simple ways to stay present during sex:

• Tune in to your senses: Notice your partner’s warmth, the rhythm of your breathing, the way your body responds in the moment.
• Slow the tempo: Give yourself permission to take your time when having sex – to linger, explore, and enjoy without rushing.
• Let go of pressure: Sex doesn’t have to look or feel a certain way, or even have a specific “goal”. Focus on connection, not perfection.

MENTIONABLES PROTIP: When overwhelm creeps in while having sex, give yourself permission to slow down and check in. Share what’s happening internally – maybe your partner can help you gently shift back into presence.

Sex Destress Afterglow = The Calm You Both Needed 

After the intensity of intimacy, there’s a moment that often gets overlooked: the afterglow. That quiet, post-connection time – when you’re tangled up in each other’s arms, sharing soft touches, gentle kisses, or pillow talk – can be just as powerful at easing tension as the act of sex itself. 

It’s in these moments that the answer to “does sex help with stress” becomes even clearer: slowing down, savoring each other, and staying present can melt stress, deepen your bond, and leave you both feeling calmer and more connected. It’s a chance to breathe together, let go of the day’s chaos, and turn ordinary moments into something restorative.

Here’s how to make the most of your sex “afterglow”:

• Cuddle and stay close: Physical closeness amplifies relaxation and security.
• Breathe and sync: Deep, shared breaths calm the mind and deepen the connection.
• Whisper, tease, or laugh: Playful words strengthen bonds and keep the mood light.
• Lingering touch: Gentle caresses prolong pleasure and melt stress.
• Stay present: Turn off distractions and savor the moment together.

MENTIONABLES PROTIP: Use sex to connect emotionally as well as physically. Whisper what you appreciate about them, hold each other tight, and let the calm wash over you both.

Stay Connected and De-Stress Through Sex (Even When Life Gets Busy)

Stress relief doesn’t have to end when the bedroom lights go out – it can become a sexy little ritual you look forward to. It’s abundantly clear to see “does sex help with stress” in action when intimacy is intentional and playful, helping you both relax and feel more grounded.

Here are a few tips to help you turn stress relief into a sexy little ritual:

• Plan your connection: Treat intimacy like a self-care appointment – a deliberate pause you schedule to reconnect and wind down together. 
• Surprise each other: A flirty text, a cozy night in, or slipping into classy lingerie from Mentionables can reignite excitement and keep anticipation alive.
• Make your relationship “the calm”: Especially during the holiday chaos (or any crazy time in life), a few intentional moments together can become the soothing space you both need.

MENTIONABLES PROTIP: Make sex a game – surprise each other with spontaneous kisses, playful touches, or a quick flirty challenge. Fun keeps stress out and your bond sizzling.

The Sweetest Kind of Stress Relief is Sex

So, does sex help with stress? 

Totally – and it’s one of the most enjoyable remedies out there. 

When life feels overwhelming, a little intimate connection can do wonders for your mood, your relationship, and your overall sense of calm. Plus, it’s a whole lot more fun than meditating or deep breathing (though those are great, too).

Want to make your next stress-melting session even steamier? 

Explore Mentionables’ holiday lingerie collection – the perfect way to turn seasonal chaos into cozy, flirty connection.

We want to know: Does sex help with stress for you? 

Share your favorite de-stress rituals in the comments below!