The New Year is a perfect excuse to hit “refresh” — not just on your calendar, but on your sex life too. After the holiday hustle, we get a moment to pause, reflect, and think: what do I actually want more of this year?
“The holidays provide time to reflect, rest, and reset our lifestyle,” Suzannah Weiss, sex therapist and sexologist, says, “New Year's especially is a time when people often wrap up whatever goals they set out to accomplish over the past year and set their sights on new ones.”
Whether you’re single, partnered, or exploring whatever style of relationship you want, the New Year is a perfect excuse to add some intentionality — and pleasure — to your routine.
Common Sexual Wellness Goals (And How to Keep Them Real)
Many people want more sex in the New Year, and that can be awesome for both personal well-being and relationship satisfaction.
“More frequent sex is associated with greater relationship satisfaction, although that effect drops off when the sex becomes more frequent than once a week — it doesn’t make a difference if a couple has sex, say, once a week versus three times a week. So, focus on quality over quantity!” Weiss says.
The trick? Make goals for you, not just what you think “should” happen.
Ask yourself: do these goals make me feel energized, connected, and excited? Or am I doing it because I feel pressure? The answer tells you whether the goal is going to help or just add stress.
Small Habits, Big Bangs (Literally)
You don’t need a dramatic overhaul to feel a difference. Some tiny habits can really amplify your pleasure:
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Mindfulness: Notice the sensations of everyday life — the feel of water in the shower, the texture of your favorite snack.
“This will make it easier for you to feel more pleasure in the bedroom because you will be more aware of your body,” Weiss explains. -
Self-pleasure: Touch yourself slowly, intentionally, and curiously. No goal to climax, just a goal to feel amazing.
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Stress reduction: Yoga, meditation, or even a five-minute breathing break can help you stop overthinking and start feeling more. Suzannah suggests apps like Headspace if you need guidance.
Keep It Fun With Your Partner
Goals don’t have to feel like homework. Start small: non-sexual touch, cuddling, a flirty text during the day. Build momentum from there.
“Make time for non-sexual intimacy so that you don’t feel pressure to have intercourse each time you connect physically.”
Want to try something new? Shop for a toy together — think of it as a mini-adventure. Try a new lubricant to spark a Love Sesh. Even something simple like a couple’s toy you can experiment with during play can spark discovery and laughter.
Navigating Changes, Pain, or Hormonal Shifts
If you notice dryness, pain, or hormonal changes, talk to your doctor. And remember: sex doesn’t have to mean penetration. Oral sex, genital massage, mutual masturbation, and slow, exploratory touch can be just as satisfying. The goal is pleasure, not pressure.
Tools That Actually Boost Pleasure
Research shows that sex toys (and lubricants) can make a difference: vibrators like Playdate help with arousal and orgasm, and men’s toys can improve solo or partnered sexual function. A little toy exploration can help you understand your body, your partner, and what feels good — all while keeping things playful.
If you’re dealing with dryness or discomfort, Playground’s Miracle Melts can help, too.
Pick one new habit, conversation, or toy to bring into your routine this year. Make space for curiosity, pleasure, and fun. Even small changes can ripple into bigger intimacy wins and more laughter along the way.
Try these Playground essentials to kick off your New Year of pleasure:
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Free Love Lubricant: silky, smooth, and perfect for mindful touch or spontaneous play.
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Mood Maker Body Oil: An intimate body and massage oil to really get the mood going.
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Miracle Melts: Deeply hydrating vaginal inserts powered by the gold standard hydrator, Hyaluronic Acid. This moisture-boosting restorative treatment delivers immediate and long-lasting relief from dryness and irritation and makes pleasure even better.
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Playdate Mini Massager: A mighty, magical, petite & powerful vibrator to take into the New Year.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does stress impact my sexual wellness?
Stress often lowers libido and arousal for many women by elevating cortisol, which interferes with relaxation and natural desire. It can also create physical tension that makes intimacy feel less comfortable. For some, calming formulas like Mood Maker support gentle unwinding and body awareness.
2. How does hormonal balance influence my sexual wellness?
Hormonal balance plays a key role in energy, mood, lubrication, and sexual comfort across life stages. Shifts during cycles, stress, or life changes can temporarily affect desire. Plant-based serums like Free Love offer gentle support for women navigating these fluctuations.
3. What are sexual wellness products?
Sexual wellness products include lubricants, serums, and massagers designed to enhance comfort, pleasure, and intimacy. Playground’s clean essentials, such as Love Sesh, focus on pH balance and body-safe ingredients to support confident, feel-good exploration.
4. Can mindfulness improve my sexual wellness?
Mindfulness helps many women stay present during intimacy, reducing mental distractions and heightening physical sensation. Simple practices like slow breathing or body awareness can deepen satisfaction over time, without pressure or performance expectations.
5. What is lubricant in sexual wellness?
Lubricant reduces friction to make intimacy smoother and more comfortable, especially for women experiencing dryness or longer play sessions. Water-based lubricants like Love Sesh hydrate gently with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid.
6. How do sexual wellness treatments improve relationships?
Sexual wellness treatments like serums and massagers can encourage shared exploration and communication, strengthening emotional connection. Bundles like Playdate support playful discovery while prioritizing comfort and mutual pleasure.
