There's that old wives' tale that sex before a sports match is a major no-no for athletes, but when it comes to us everyday folk, consistent lovemaking does the mind and body good. In fact, sex and productivity can actually go hand in hand. A recent multiple-university study found that professionals who had sex the night before going into work had "more positive moods" that increased work engagement and job satisfaction.
Talk about sexual healing!
So sis, if you're in a work rut, finding that you're lacking motivation, or you aren't finding the inspiration to take things up a notch in the career department, you might need to get into some good old-fashioned boot-knocking and sensual stimulation.
Here are three more ways good, healthy sex---emphasis on the good and the healthy---can lead to better productivity and help you fight workplace burnout:
It can improve sleep quality.
Again, we're talking about a divine sexual experience in which you orgasm or find optimal pleasure here, so don't go comparing those times when that one-night stand or ex-bae was just a hot mess in bed and you often stayed up all night trying to figure out the why and how. Researchers have found that during orgasm, the release of oxytocin and prolactin (hormones associated with happiness) can facilitate sleep, and more than 50% of participants in this study experienced "improved sleep quality" after masturbation orgasm.
We all know that rest is a prerequisite for a better next day---period---so we won't bore you with the research to back that up. Adding a session of climaxing to your nightly self-care routine could help in that department, leaving you refreshed and ready for anything that might come your way the next morning.
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It can serve as a great way to relieve stress.
Don't go too crazy with this one because we definitely want to be sure we're properly coping with stress and ensuring top mental and physical health. Nevertheless, good sex has been known to be one of many activities that can ease stress. Researchers tapped professionals to find out how sex is affected by stress, and they found that a good intimate session in a "satisfying relationship" was the move for stress and had positive effects for relieving stress.
The less stressed you are, the more likely you are able to really focus in on advancing and being your best self, so we just can't ignore how this might be a good look, especially for those of us whose jobs and titles entail a certain level of unavoidable challenges and pressure.
It can increase confidence and help lower anxiety.
When you're having a great time in bed, enjoying someone you can fully vibe with, or feeling unapologetically free to be your full butt-naked self, it's always a beautiful confidence-booster. And interestingly enough, a study of the sexual activity during pandemic lockdowns found that people who had sex experienced "lower psychological distress" and higher levels of "satisfaction" than those who didn't. Science has also suggests that embracing your sensuality can increase body perception in positive ways.
And ladies, confidence pays in the workplace, literally: Professionals who have high self-esteem and exhibit this in the workplace have been found to earn as much as $28,000 more than those whose with low self-image. So, get into a bit of pleasure to up the ante on your self-pride and line your pockets, sis!
For more productivity tips, career advice and profiles, check out the xoNecole Workin Girl section here.
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RELATED
The film follows Faith Mitchell, a wife and mother whose life is upended by a devastating loss. As she spirals into despair, it’s the love of family, friends, and God that slowly leads her back to light. And for Paula, this story wasn’t just a role—it was personal.
“It connected to a time in my life that I could really relate to,” she says. “That feeling of having lost so much and feeling like so much pain, and not knowing how to deal with the pain… and numbing out to do that.”
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A Story That Hit Close to Home
Having been sober for seven years, Paula says the emotional territory was familiar. But more than anything, it brought her closer to a deeper truth.
“Once you give [the numbing] up, you have to walk in the desert alone… and that’s when I truly found faith in God.”
Turning Pain Into Purpose
While the film touches on loss and addiction, Finding Faith ultimately lives up to its title. Paula describes the acting process as cathartic—and one she was finally ready for.
“Art became healing,” she says. “That was the biggest challenge of all… but it was a challenge I wanted.”
More Than an Inspirational Thriller
Finding Faith is described as an “inspirational thriller,” with layered tones of romance, suspense, and spiritual reflection. Paula credits that dynamic blend to writer-director LazRael Lison.
“That’s what I love about Finding Faith,” she explains. “Yes, she goes on this journey, but there’s other storylines happening that help it stay entertaining.”
"Finding Faith" cast
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On-Set Magic with Loretta Devine
With a cast stacked with phenomnal talent—Loretta Devine, Keith David, Stephen Bishop—it’s no surprise that the film also came alive through unscripted moments.
“We did this kitchen scene… and Loretta changed it,” Paula shares. “She wouldn’t leave. I had to change my dance and figure out how to work with it, and it took on this whole other layer. I’m forever grateful.”
Faith When It Feels Like Night
The film leans on the biblical verse: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Paula says that reminder is something she’s lived.
“When you’re feeling so anxious, and you look out in the distance and see nothing there… that’s when you have to trust God’s timing.”
Divine Timing Behind the Scenes
Paula didn’t just star in the film—she produced it through her company, Third Eye Productions. And the way the opportunity came to her? Nothing short of divine.
“I said, ‘Just for one week, believe everything’s going to be perfect,’” she recalls. “That same day, my friend Charles called and said, ‘I have a film for you. It’s called Finding Faith.’ I thought I was going to throw the phone down.”
What’s Next for Paula Patton?
When asked about a dream role, Paula didn’t name a genre or a character. Her focus now is on legacy—and light.
“I want to make sure I keep making art that entertains people, but also has hope… That it has a bright light at the end to get us through this journey here on Earth.”
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Feature image by Lev Radin/ Shutterstock