How Exercising Your Brain Will Make You a Better Lover
There are several ways brain function and sexual health are linked. In fact, studies show that practicing one will improve the other. And it goes both ways! Using some mental creativity can help you in the bedroom and having sex just might make you smarter. It may sound crazy but these claims are based on science. That’s why using your brain is step #9 in the 10 Steps to Sexy.
Thinking can make you a better lover
Using your brain in ways that are unusual for you, like driving a new route home from work, will also exercise your cognitive power. In other words, using your brain in new ways taps into how you understand and react to the world around you. Improving cognitive power is proven to boost your creativity. And harnessing your creativity will make you a more adventurous and in-tune lover.
By the way, this appears to make you smarter. There is evidence that thinking can improve your sex life. And it may also be true that your sex life can make you a better thinker.
Regular sex may improve brain function
Here’s an interesting twist on using your brain; see if you can wrap your mind around this one: According to Psychology Today, sex appears to improve many cognitive functions, particularly in older adults. The research shows that those with healthy, regular sex lives have greater verbal fluency and memory.
Or maybe, as the researchers hypothesize, it’s that thinking leads to increased sexual activity rather than that sexual activity leads to better cognition. Either way, we do know one thing for sure, your brain burns calories. (And so does the physical activity of having sex.)
Thinkers burn more calories
There’s one more reason to regularly exercise your brain and you’re going to like this! You burn calories every moment just by being alive and, of course, physical activity increases caloric burn. But another key to optimizing your metabolism is in your mind.
As the head of your internal household, the brain works on autopilot to ensure that your organs are doing what they need to do. However, using your brain for deeper–or even just less routine–thought increases glucose uptake in the brain. In other words, thinking burns calories.
How many calories does your brain burn?
Now, using your brain to solve a puzzle or memorize a poem probably won’t burn enough calories for significant weight loss. If you’re wondering how many calories does your brain burn, it’s worth knowing but not really something you can count on for a weight loss strategy. It’s estimated that engaging the brain in more exercise will probably only burn up to 50 extra calories per day. But there’s more to using your brain than the simple fact that thinking burns calories.
So keep thinking for the sake of your brain, your body and your lover!
The 10 Steps to Sexy Diet
Step 10
Edited by Delahna Flagg, PhD: This article was reviewed and additional research was provided by Center for Mind-Body Medicine practitioner and Eat Something Sexy Nutrition Director Delahna Flagg.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It should not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here are not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional. More information
Amy is considered a leading authority on aphrodisiacs. Her work in aphrodisiacs is quoted in publications including National Geographic, The New York Times, Epicurious, Wine Enthusiast, Health and Playboy magazines. She speaks internationally on aphrodisiac foods and has brought her knowledge of aphrodisiac history and science to national television shows including The Today Show and CBS Early Show. She is a frequent guest on relationship and lifestyle radio and podcast shows and has been interviewed by BBC and NPR radio, Cosmopolitan radio and popular podcasts including My Dad Wrote a Porno.
Amy is also a freelance food, wine and health researcher and writer as well as a wine competition judge. Her work has appeared in publications ranging from Variety to The Daily Meal. She is an MSN content provider. And she is also a former wine editor for Gayot.com and wine & spirits editor of Las Vegas magazine.
Fun fact: Amy was the creator of the first ever comprehensive food and wine apps, Amy Reiley's Pocket Gourmet and Amy Reiley's Pocket Vineyard for Palm.
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