The new year is here, and it’s time to embrace the fresh start.
However, new sexual experiences aren’t the only way to celebrate 2025. It’s also an excellent time to reflect on your current sexual habits – think of it like spring cleaning your sex life, but a little earlier in the year!
In this article, we’re exploring healthy sex habits and ways to build them into your sex life this year. Hint: doing this will improve your satisfaction and strengthen your relationships. A win-win.
What are healthy sex habits?
Before giving you the tips and tricks, we’ll quickly step back and define what we’re discussing.
Healthy sex habits are practices or behaviours that support and enhance your overall sexual well-being, encompassing both physical and mental health.
While these tips will make sex feel better and bring stronger orgasms, they’re focused more on cultivating healthy attitudes and overall well-being. They also help you build strong relationships, boost sexual confidence, and promote health, creating a foundation for a fulfilling and balanced life.
Check out eight questions to ask to improve your sex life here if you want to supercharge your sex in 2025.
7 healthy habits to embrace in 2025
Even if you’re not reading this in the New Year, it’s always worth reflecting on and improving your attitude to sex. Get started with the healthy habits below.
1. Consent
Consent is the bare minimum needed for a healthy relationship, and it’s something well-spoken about. However, it’s so critical that we’re going to repeat it.
In 2025, take a few minutes to reflect on how you incorporate consent into your sex life. Many of us talk about consent a lot but forget to ask in the heat of the moment.
Start adding check-ins and verbal consent checks before you get down and dirty. And no—this isn’t awkward. A quick “Is this okay?” or “Can I continue?” will not ruin the mood. If anything, it’ll improve it, as you know your partner is ready to go.
2. Body confidence
Next up, it’s time to take a moment to think about your body confidence.
This is a big topic and one that takes more than a few minutes to consider. However, this is your sign to show yourself some self-love.
Having body confidence gives you a positive self-image, reduces anxiety, and enhances intimacy. When you’re not worried about your appearance, you can let go and enjoy the moment more.
Learning how to feel comfortable in your own skin helps you focus on connection rather than insecurities, and it’ll also improve how you feel in other areas of your life, not just during sex.
Not sure where to begin? You can improve your body confidence by engaging with body-positive media, embracing self-care, and challenging any negative thoughts that pop up. A therapist or counsellor can also help, especially if you want to address thought patterns.
3. Use lube
Unfortunately, many people believe that using lube is embarrassing or that you shouldn’t need it if you have a vulva. Not only are these two statements false, but they can also worsen your sex life!
Using lubrication when you have sex makes the experience much more enjoyable and reduces the chance of painful sex or discomfort.
There’s no shame in wanting or needing lube. Vaginal lubrication can be interrupted or decreased for a number of reasons (e.g., stress or medical conditions), and it’s often beyond your control.
4. Listen to your body
Do you know what you like in bed? Even if you answered yes, we challenge you to really listen to your body in 2025.
It’s easy to get into a pattern with a partner. Foreplay, penetrative sex, and then (hopefully) an orgasm. However, sometimes, this causes us to overlook what feels good in the moment.
Next time you’re solo or with a partner, focus on your breathing and the sensations you’re feeling. You might discover a new erogenous zone or turn on.
Likewise, once you start paying more attention, you might discover that some touches don’t feel as good as you thought they did.
5. STI testing
STI testing isn’t as exciting as some of the other suggestions on this list. But it’s a key touchstone of sexual health and well-being.
Anyone sexually active should be tested every three to twelve months, depending on how often they engage with a new partner and whether they’re in a monogamous relationship or not.
STIs can be symptomless, so it’s good to get checked out even if you think you’re in the clear.
Learn what to expect from an STI test here.
6. Get active
The New Year kicks off a fitness frenzy, making it the ultimate season for setting goals and joining your local gym. Depending on your personality, this will either sound exciting or like your worst nightmare.
However, did you know that getting fit can improve your sex life?
Alongside working on mindfulness, STI testing, and consent, consider getting a little extra physical activity to improve your stamina and longevity in the bedroom.
We’re not talking about daily gym sessions, though. Even a 15-minute brisk walk can improve your cardiovascular fitness and overall health.
7. Check in with yourself after sex
You’ve got down and dirty, but now what? Most people probably have a little cuddle or get back up and straight on with their day.
Nothing is wrong with either of these reactions, but we have another challenge for you – to have a quiet moment after having sex.
Aftercare is the practice of checking in on your partner after rough or kinky sex. Take this concept and apply it to yourself after any play to reflect on what you liked and didn’t like and whether you need any care to elevate your well-being.
Making the new year the best one yet
Whether you’re just starting out on a journey of sexual discovery or not, we hope these tips have inspired you to address your sex life for the better in 2025. Did we miss anything? Let us know if we’ve forgotten your favourite healthy sex habits!
Keep learning about sex and relationships today. Read the Vivastreet blog here.
