Play is as important for adults as it is for children. It can help relieve stress, improve mood, and boost creativity. Adults can incorporate play into their sexual lives to gain the same benefits it offers kids: enjoyment and fulfillment.
Moreover, it can be incorporated into adults’ sexual lives to gain the same benefits it offers kids: enjoyment and fulfillment.
While the context of play changes from when we are playing tag to when we are teasing our partner, the objective remains the same. The American Psychological Association defines play as any activities individuals or groups choose and engage in primarily for personal or collective pleasure.
This blog will explore sex as a form of play and how sex therapy can help you incorporate playfulness to enhance your sexual experience.
Rediscovering the Playground of Imagination
Remember when you were a child, and you could turn your living room into a pirate ship or a grand castle with just your imagination? Adults can do the same thing during intimate moments. We can also use our imaginations to create exciting experiences.
The bedroom becomes a canvas for exploring desires, fantasies, and curiosities. Just as make-believe games allow us to delve into different roles, adult play in the bedroom lets us experiment with identities and roles that can be thrilling and liberating.
Taking Risks and Exploring New Horizons
When we were little, every playtime was an adventure, a chance to take risks and try new things. In adult play, taking risks in the bedroom can spark similar excitement.
Experimenting, trying role-play scenarios, or introducing intimacy-enhancing products keeps the experience fresh and invigorating. It’s about pushing boundaries and embracing the unknown with a sense of adventure.
Exploring Adult Toys
Childhood play often involved dressing up dolls, experimenting with outfits, and letting creativity flow. Interestingly, there’s a parallel in the adult world – the availability of various products designed to enhance intimate play.
The comparison between the “toy aisle” of childhood and the “adult aisle” in stores isn’t as far-fetched as it seems. From lingerie that boosts confidence to more adventurous items that cater to various preferences, these products are tools to amplify the sense of play in the bedroom as much as toys aid children’s imagination.
The Dangers of Being Too Serious
Just as a game loses its charm when taken too seriously, the same can happen with sex. When intimacy becomes pressured to perform flawlessly or adhere to rigid expectations, the experience loses its spontaneity and joy.
The fear of “not doing something right” looms, leading to feelings of inadequacy and shame. Much like a child’s game that’s been stripped of its playfulness, overly profound intimacy can hinder connection and pleasure.
Cultivating Connection Through Play
Couples who recognize the importance of playfulness in their intimate moments tend to reap numerous rewards. By embracing the spirit of play, they alleviate the pressure to achieve a particular outcome.
Instead, they focus on exploring each other’s desires and enjoying the journey rather than fixating on a destination. This mindset opens the door to deeper connection, enhanced communication, and a more fulfilling, intimate life.
Preserving the Essence of Pleasure and Presence
The essence of sex extends beyond procreation. It’s about being present in our bodies and relishing the pleasures they can experience.
Just as children are fully immersed in their imaginative worlds, adults can lose themselves in the moment of intimacy when they approach it with a playful mindset. It enriches the experience with joy, vulnerability, and shared exploration.
Learn to Incorporate Playfulness in Your Intimate Moments Through Sex Therapy
When adult responsibilities sometimes overshadow the lighter aspects of life, remember that play isn’t confined to childhood. It’s a timeless concept transcending age, offering immense benefits when incorporated into the intimate sphere.
Our skilled couple therapists at PNW Sex Therapy Collective offer sex therapy, advice, and support for partners who wish to rekindle their romance. We provide judgment-free, tailored, and result-driven recommendations to keep your passion alive.
Consult a sex therapist today to learn more about how you can incorporate playfulness into your intimate moments.
