Gratitude for Your Body- Body Love and Better Sex

We talk a lot about gratitude during this season, right? It’s almost automatic to think about what we’re grateful for out there—the people we love, the work we do, even our favorite foods (ice cream… anytime of year I’m so grateful for it). But how often do we turn that gratitude inward, especially toward our bodies? Honestly, with all the ‘perfect body’ messages we’re hit with daily, it’s easy to forget to appreciate the body we live in.

But here’s the thing: when we’re caught up in feeling ‘not enough,’ it’s not just our self-esteem that takes a hit. These feelings creep into our intimate lives, too, blocking the full experience of arousal, pleasure, even orgasm. So what if, this season, we made it a priority to practice body gratitude? Reconnect with our body, embrace body love, and—let’s be real—have better sex because of it.

How Body Love and Gratitude Affect Pleasure and Empower Better Sex

Think about it: when we’re disconnected from our bodies, it’s like trying to enjoy a meal when we’re distracted. We’re only half there, and the experience is watered down. The same goes for intimacy. Feeling at odds with our body can put up barriers to experiencing turn-on and, ultimately, pleasure. When we start to practice gratitude and body love, we create space for relaxation and self-acceptance, which are absolutely key for truly satisfying intimacy. We also start to feel safe in our own bodies because we aren’t constantly trying to change or adjust. And we all know how sexy safety can feel.

Science backs this up, too. Studies show that people who feel positively about their bodies are more relaxed and open to pleasure. They’re better able to stay present and experience genuine connection, leading to—you guessed it—better sex. Body love isn’t just a feel-good phrase; it’s honestly an essential part of opening ourselves up to the full experience of intimacy.

A Body Gratitude Ritual for Better Sex

This ritual doesn’t have to be complicated, but it can be incredibly powerful. Here’s a simple way to start:

  • Set Your Scene: Create a comfortable space—maybe add soft lighting, candles, or your favorite essential oils. Think of it as making a space where you can tune into yourself without distractions (check out my blog with tips for doing this here).

  • A Moment for Body Love Through Breath and Meditation: Begin by closing your eyes and taking a few deep breaths. Let each breath remind you of the things your body does for you. If you prefer recorded meditations, try one of my free meditations on Insight Timer.

  • Gentle Yoga Poses: Bring in some grounding poses, like Child’s Pose or seated heart-openers. These are great for releasing tension and bringing your focus back to your body in a really gentle, nurturing way. I’ve written more about yoga and its connection to body awareness and pleasure if you’d like to dive deeper.

  • Exploring Sensation: Now, with a soft, intentional touch, explore the textures and sensations of your skin, moving slowly and noticing what feels good. This isn’t about performance or intentional arousal; it’s about connecting with yourself and appreciating what your body has to offer. Allow yourself to feel every sensation. Believe me, when you can do this alone, it opens up new dimensions of connection and pleasure with a partner.

How Body Love and Gratitude Boost Intimacy and Sex

As we build a gratitude practice for our bodies, we’re laying the foundation for a more authentic, enjoyable experience in intimacy. It’s no secret that feeling at home in our own skin allows us to open up more freely with someone else, but it’s amazing how quickly that can translate into better sex.

When we take the time to care for and connect with our own bodies, we’re sending a message to ourselves that we’re worthy of pleasure and joy. And that mindset doesn’t just vanish when we’re with a partner. In fact, it makes us more available to experience pleasure, to be fully present, and to connect in ways that feel both fun and deeply fulfilling. This ritual isn’t just about self-care—it’s about creating a better, more intimate relationship with ourselves and others.

Body Appreciation Wrap Up

This season, let’s try something new. Let’s appreciate our bodies not just for how they look (although, your butt is looking amazing btw), but for everything they make possible, from everyday tasks to moments of incredible pleasure. Body love and gratitude might just be the key to better sex, deeper connections, and a little more joy in our lives. So, let’s start with this simple ritual, and see where it takes us. Here’s to loving our bodies, experiencing more pleasure, and being fully present with ourselves and the people we love.

If you want to chat more about this, or your struggle to feel turned-on,
book a call and let’s chat!

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How to Become More Sexually Active: A Holistic Approach to Reigniting Desire