We hope you’re comfortable, because we’re looking at the health benefits of cuddles and ways to make spooning even more intimate *and yes… there’s sex!*
For most couples, nothing sounds better on a lazy Sunday than to
Netflix and chill while spooning with their partner. For those who
haven’t had the pleasure, spooning is a lovely act between two people that by definition refers to kissing and all-around cuddling.
For the majority of people, spooning means a couple cuddling in the
“back to stomach” position. This intimate gesture is commonly enjoyed
post-sex and can actually provide tons of health benefits.
5 ways to make spooning more intimate
Want to know why spooning is good for your health, or how to make
your romantic cuddle even more awe-inducing? Whether you’re the big
spoon or the little spoon, we’re looking at five ways to make spooning
even more intimate with your lover.
#1 Change up your positions. There is surprising
variation when it comes to spooning positions. For example, you could
sleep with your legs interlocked, you could sleep back to back, or in
the classic “big spoon/little spoon” side by side, you can cuddle face
to face, cuddling side by side with the little spoon’s legs up, or you
could be two spoons tussled in a drawer by having the big spoon lay on
their back with the little spoon laying on their partner’s chest.
Much like with sex, different positions add different levels of intimacy with their partner.
#2 Kissing while you cuddle. Kissing is one of the
ultimate bonding experiences and can add intimacy to nearly any scenario
when done right. This means no licking of the face or tongue down the
throat. Soft, passionate kissing adds intimacy to your cuddling and who
knows… may lead to a passionate end to the night. Figure out which
position works best for your personal smooch sesh and get to it.
#3 Breathe in unison. A study done by the University of California found couples in a relationship tend to synchronize their heart rates and
breathing patterns when holed up in a snuggle-fest. Furthermore,
behavioral psychologist Robert Epstein found that couples who
synchronized their breathing had a stronger bond of romance and
intimacy. Holding one another’s body so close is the perfect time to
practice breathing in sync!
#4 Use cuddling as foreplay. Spooning often leads to
boners, and boners often lead to sex… so why not use your cuddling time
as sexcellent foreplay? Allow your hands to wander the little spoon’s
body. As the big spoon, touch your girlfriend *the little spoon* between
her legs, and, ladies, use your bum to grind up against your man’s
hard-on. Spooning is a great way to enjoy each other’s bodies on an
emotionally and physically intimate level.
#5 The spooning position for sex. Spooning is an
amazing position for sex. First of all, it’s lazy—who doesn’t love that?
Neither partner has a lot of work to do in the spooning position.
Second, it’s really romantic. Third, as the male big spoon, your hands
are entirely free to touch your lover’s breasts and clit while you go at
it.
Spooning sex has a great relaxing factor of laying down, all while
having the dirty back entry that usually comes with doggy style. An even
bigger benefit? You’re both in the perfect position afterwards to head
off to sleep!
Health benefits of spooning
As mentioned, spooning is about way more than just a post-coital
cuddle. Spooning has plenty of health benefits that should definitely
put this couple’s pastime on your radar. Here’s a couple of our
favorites:
#1 How to get closer with your mate? By spooning, of course! Many studies have been done about the scientific benefits of spooning. One study found couples
who spoon rated higher relationship satisfaction than couples who
didn’t. This also leads to better communication and overall happiness in
relationships. What’s not to love?
#2 Cuddling = less stress. Did you know that spooning releases oxytocin? It’s true! Oxytocin, sometimes called the love drug is released during bonding experiences, such as during orgasm or in post-coital cuddles.
This beautiful hormone release lowers stress, eases anxiety, and can
even combat physical pain. Did we mention it also increases hormones
that help boost your immune system? Yeah, it’s basically magic.
#3 Spooning is good for your sleep. Sleep is linked
to pretty much all healthy qualities of your body: brain function, mood,
heart health, energy levels… You name it, sleep helps with it! This
bodes well for snugglers, since a study done by the University of Pittsburgh found that women who snuggled their partners to bed reported a better night sleep than single women participating in the study.
Couples participating in a similar spooning study reported a closer bond and feeling of safety during slumber.
3 ways you’re spooning all wrong
Still not getting the hang of the up-close and cuddle? Spooning isn’t
always easy, and there are plenty of ways your intimate gesture can
turn into a crick in the neck—literally. Here are three ways you’re
spooning all wrong, and what you can do about it.
#1 Neck cramps. Here lies the most common spooning
culprit: the sore neck! Cuddling into the crook of your man’s arms feels
like the most amazing bonding experience ever… for about five minutes!
After that, your neck gets totally sore.
Not wanting to end the spooning session you soldier on, only to end
up with a giant pain in your neck. The solution? Cuddle him with both of
his arms lying flat so you can support your neck under a pillow, while
still getting the chance to drape your arm and leg over him. Problem
solved!
#2 Boners. Whether you’re spooning your way to a
good night’s sleep, or are just enveloped in one another’s arms during a
Netflix binge, a hard-on is probably in your spooning future. Some
women love it, some aren’t so thrilled.
For those who love the feeling of a rock hard dick against their
backside, party on and enjoy the ride! But those who don’t? Simply
adjust so your bum isn’t hitting his groin, or switch positions so
you’re lying on his chest instead of giving his member a chance to
figuratively feel you up.
#3 Getting crushed. You know what fails to make
spooning more intimate with your partner? Getting crushed by your mate’s
body weight in their failed attempt at cuddling!
Fix your crushing cuddling flop by readjusting your position so the
little spoon’s back is straight against the big spoon’s stomach. Or, try
having the female *or smaller mate* be the big spoon. This will protect
your partner from feeling like a smashed potato underneath your cuddle
and also does wonders for hurt necks!
There are plenty of ways to make spooning more intimate, with
plenty of health benefits to follow! So long as you’re spooning in all
the right ways and making sure to avoid the cuddling pitfalls, you’ll be
on your way to a closer relationship and a healthier life!
