8 Surprising Ways to Overcome Performance Anxiety in Bed
From breathing techniques to mindfulness practices, here are some unexpected tips that can help ease your mind and enhance intimacy.
1. Start with self-pleasure
Exploring your own body without worrying about performance can really boost your confidence. Try different stuff to see what feels good for you.
2. Focus on foreplay
Longer prelude activities can be super fun and relaxing, easing anxiety and making the connection with your partner better before moving on to penetrative sex.
3. Use relaxation apps
There are apps out there designed for stress relief and meditation that offer guided sessions. They're great for managing performance anxiety in real-time.
4. Talk about it
Sharing your worries openly with a partner can take away some of that secrecy weight, making it easier for both of you to approach intimacy more comfortably.
5. Change up routines
Changing things up from the usual routine, whether it's switching scenes or trying new positions, can shift focus from performance to just exploring and enjoying.
6. Try visual aids
Using lube, sex toys, or even erotic films as aids can make things less stressful and add a playful vibe to your intimate moments.
7. Focus on body awareness
Focusing on physical sensations instead of expectations helps you stay present during intimate times. It’s all about being in the moment.
8. Set small goals
Instead of going for long sessions, set smaller goals. This lowers the pressure and builds confidence bit by bit.
Books on mindfulness or relaxation techniques might provide additional tools to manage anxiety.
- Come As You Are — Emily Nagoski · the science of desire, especially responsive desire — a genuine myth-buster.
- She Comes First — Ian Kerner · a frank, practical classic on female pleasure.
- Better Sex Through Mindfulness — Lori Brotto · evidence-based work on attention, arousal and getting out of your head.
As an Amazon Associate, The Daily Forager earns from qualifying purchases.
Pull your Erotic Tarot card
One tap, one card, one honest read on how your desire is wired — free and private. No jargon, no shame.
Pull your card →