The Happiness Survey, carried out among a thousand women aged between 35-55, has revealed that we’re not having sex very much at all…
Of those questioned, almost 20% said they never have sex, another 10% are having sex less than three times a year and a massive 60% are having sex twice a month or less.
"The findings were shocking and sad, especially in light of the fact that sex makes us feel good which helps us live longer and it's free!"
The Happiness Survey, conducted by Top Santé magazine also revealed that more of us than ever are turning to our GPs due to stress and anxiety with 56% admitting they have talked to a doctor about it.
Sex has long been termed nature’s Prozac, with numerous biological and sociological studies linking sex to happiness so in a time when stress and anxiety are huge issues in our lives are we missing out on a vital source of pleasure and wellbeing?
The survey revealed that it’s not simply those who are currently single, divorced or widowed that are missing out on regular sex. Over a quarter (26%) of readers with a partner admitted they have sex just once every two or three months, or less.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
Commenting on the findings, Jane Druker editor of Top Santé magazine said: "The findings were shocking and sad, especially in light of the fact that sex makes us feel good which helps us live longer and it's free! I think women can feel under pressure to have mind blowing love lives but actually the intimacy of everyday sex is enough – a 'quickie' can give us genuine health benefits and truthfully sex begets more sex ."
“Sex is not a luxury, it is vital."
“When couples tell me, “Sex is no longer important once you’ve been together forever”, I beg to differ loudly,” says sex counsellor Tracey Cox. “Sex is not a luxury, it is vital. It decreases stress, boosts the immune system and gives us an important sense of wellbeing.”
SEX MAKES US HAPPY!
The survey found there to be a clear link between sex and happiness. A third (33%) of respondents who have sex more than twice a week said they were ‘very happy’ compared to only 15% who have sex every two to three months. And when it comes to anxiety, only 9% of those having sex once a week described themselves as ‘very anxious’, compared to 20% of those having sex every two to three months.
The stats revealed that 63% of those having sex every two or three months or less have spoken to their GP about anxiety levels. Fifty nine per cent of women having sex less than once a month said more sex would make them happier.
THE POWER OF THE HUG
A hug is our favourite simple pleasure with 9 in 10 people saying it makes them happyand doing things for others and spending time with people we love are the two things cited as being most likely to improve happiness levels.
THE HAPPIEST PLACE OF ALL?
Scotland is the happiest region (78% describe themselves as happy) and the area that laughs the most with over half saying they laugh at least once a day.