The many benefits of kissing....

How many of you make time for a good old fashioned kissing session? So often in the bedroom we rush to what we think is the 'main event', when we should really be slowing down and making the most of those delicious steps that lead us to further intimacy.

Long, slow kisses. Furious, passionate kisses. First kisses. Kisses that leave you aching for more. If you aren't making the most of your mouth then here are some inspirational reasons to make time for making out...

Kissing relieves stress and reduces anxiety, which is something we can all get on board with. Kissing actually lowers cortisol levels, as will other shows of affection such as hugging. Oxytocin, one of the 'happy hormones' is also released, especially as it is connected to pair bonding.  And there aren't many other better ways to bond than a good, long kiss and hug. Kissing also causes your body to release dopamine and serotonin, two more happy hormones that will help to lift your mood.

Kissing a new partner also gives you some idea of your compatibility. We have all been there I'm sure, excited to get to know someone and then finally get physical and find there's sadly no chemistry. A kiss can give you a very good idea of if you actually want to go further with a new partner. Some studies suggest that because part of kissing is the exchange of saliva, and therefore microbes and DNA, it can even tell your body something about the genetic suitability of your mate and if it's a good idea to procreate with them. Kissing also means we get very close to a potential partner, meaning that we can pick up pheromones which also play a role in attraction.

Kissing can mean a higher chance of orgasm for women... Yes you read that right! A 2018 study found women were more likely to orgasm during a sex session that involved 'deep kissing'.

While we are on the subject of orgasms, some people can climax just from kissing. Lips are full of nerve endings, just like the nipples, so although it's rare, it's certainly something to keep in mind for your next snog scenario...  Also, if you're coupled up then kissing your partner can help to improve your libido and keep your sex drive up, beneficial especially in long term relationships where we can easily become bored or just a bit lazy.

Kissing even tones your facial muscles and burns calories. A passionate kiss can activate 24 facial muscles and 112 postural muscles, increase blood flow to the face which in turn can help stimulate production of collagen and elastin. In fact a study from the 1980s in Germany even linked kissing to increased lifespan and better livelihood.

They found that kissing your partner in the morning before starting your day related to living for 5 years longer on average, having a job which paid more and also lessened chance of illness.

As if this wasn't enough, kissing can also help with headaches and menstrual cramps, as well reducing blood pressure by dilating your blood vessels.

Two kisses are better than one...

Stress reduction, looking younger, living longer, higher sex drive and feeling happy? I know I will be making sure to make plenty of time for kissing next time I get the chance....

Stay safe. Have fun. Issy x