We have all probably heard the saying “stress kills,” and while that may be true, stress is currently effecting over 15 million couples sex lives. After a long stressful day of deadlines, errands, laundry, kids, pets, dinner, and dishes, on top of financial strains, it’s no wonder the last thing on our minds is sex.

New research out of Britain found that work difficulties, financial worries and tiredness caused by longer hours are said to affect up to 15 million Britons. That’s only in the UK! Can you imagine what the numbers must be here in the states? The US is probably one of the most stressed out groups of people in the world.

There is no doubt, that there are days when my life is way too hectic, overwhelming and stressful, to the point where all I want to do between the sheets is sleep. When our minds are whirling with to-do lists, and worries, there is no space for passion. The fact is that a healthy sex life is vital to our happiness and is also a great stress reducer!

Since we all want and need to keep stress out of the bedroom I cooked up some great ways to de-stress that will allow you to free your mind from life’s worries and therefore kick that sex life up a notch.

1. Prioritize Your To-Do List: To-do lists are a great way to stay organized and map out your day. To maximize time and get the most done, put those must-do tasks at the top of the list and get them done first. Add those unpleasant tasks to the top as well so you won’t be thinking and stressing over completing them later. This is a great way to prevent procrastination.

2. Adopt A Healthy Lifestyle: Eating a healthy diet, getting in those workouts and catching all your zzz’s means your body will be more able to handle stress when and if it occurs.

3. Know Your Limitations And Don’t Take On Too Much: One of my biggest pit falls! It’s really easy to take on too much, especially when you want your boss or other people to like you. Learn to say no and be assertive without coming off wrong.

4. Discover Your Stressors: A great way to do this is to keep a log. Over a few day period, jot down what situations stress you out and then look for ways to avoid or change those stressors.

5. Avoid Unnecessary Conflict: Don’t be too argumentative. Sometimes it’s not worth the stress to start a fight that probably is unnecessary. Look for win-win situations and agree to disagree.

6. Accept The Things You Cannot Change: In some instances you can’t do much about a particular stressor. Prime example, your significant other, or something like a death in the family.

7. Take Time To Relax: In order to be the most efficient and healthy we all need to take breaks. As much as you might like to work through lunch, you need that mental break to recharge for the rest of the day. Life needs to be a balance of work and rest. This also means finding “me” time, where you have a few hours to do whatever you want to do. You need time to self-reflect and get away from it all.

8. Social Support: Talking on the phone or better yet meeting in person with your friends is a great way to reduce stress. Friends offer support and also different viewpoints that could help with a given situation.

9. Find The Humor In It All: When stress occurs try to see the humor in the situation. The truth is you will probably be able to laugh about the problem later, so try not to take everything too seriously. A great way to de-stress is to listen to a comedy radio channel, watch stand-up on TV, download funny podcasts, call up one of your hilarious friends, or simply smile your problems away.

10. Avoid Nicotine, Caffeine, And Food As Coping Mechanisms: Long term these quick fix coping mechanisms will only add to your stress. Example, caffeine is a stimulant that causes the stress reflex in our bodies. And over eating or eating junk food to cope will only fuel weight related stress issues down the road.

Can’t get enough of these de-stressing tips? Take a bubble bath, meditate and learn more stress relief techniques here.