Anxiety can show up in every area of our lives, and sometimes with what feels like no logical explanation or reason. One of the hardest things can also be not knowing how to communicate or explain to a partner about how we are feeling, particularly if from the outside it looks like nothing has changed. Performance anxiety can show up for us in situations both old and new, and anxiety in other areas of our life can leak into our intimate lives. This has the potential to disrupt the relationship status quo and our ability to be intimate, vulnerable or sexual with one another; or if we are single can get in the way of us meeting someone or dating. So we can see that this is a bidirectional relationship where sex and relationships may cause anxiety, and anxiety may impact our sex lives and relationships. One of our most natural ways to deal with anxiety is avoidance, but this is polarised with our desire for closeness or intimacy in relationships which can create both inner and outer conflict as we battle between the two. This can present as a wide variety of thoughts, feelings and behaviour which can feel really confusing for both us as individuals, and any partners that we may have. ••• My guest for this episode is one of my favourite authors, therapists and podcasters who like me is really passionate about taking therapy out of the therapy room. Anna Mathur hosts the podcast The Therapy Edit which has an astounding nearly 1 million downloads, she has authored two books which both went straight into the top 10 of The Sunday Times bestsellers list - Mind Over Mother: Every Mum’s Guide to Worry and Anxiety in the First Years and Know Your Worth & her latest book that's just out is The Little Book of Calm for New Mums . https://www.annamathur.com/ Instagram @AnnaMathur ••• This episode was sponsored by Love Sleep by This Works. This Works understand the connection between sex, sleep and well-being and as experts in the field of sleep and circadian rhythms. They have developed the Love Sleep range, a series of bedroom solutions with a 100% natural Superblend with Ylang Ylang and Patchouli, designed to enhance levels of relaxation in your evening space and promote intimacy – the antidote to digital hyper connectivity and over stimulation, paving the way for better sleep and better relationships. After using the Love Sleep Pillow Spray 1 in 3 users had more intimate moments. Find Out More At https://www.thisworks.com/products/love-sleep-pillow-spray Instagram @ThisWorks ••• The Sexual Wellness Sessions is hosted by Kate Moyle, a Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist and Certified Psycho-Sexologist. Kate believes that so much of what needs normalising when it comes to sex and relationships can be changed through conversation; and this is why the podcast is focused around the idea of hosting informal but informative conversations. Follow Kate on Instagram at @KateMoyleTherapy

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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