Libido is the sex drive or sex desire a person has for sexual activity.

Whether you are a man or a woman, you may be interested in learning both short and long-term methods to increase and enhance the interest and the pleasure you and your partner take in sex. With careers, children, social responsibilities and television, it can be hard to make time for intimacy, or even yet, to get in the mood. But don’t let a poor libido keep you from heating things up in the bedroom.

Here’s a short guide on how

Drink in Moderation: One alcoholic drink can lubricate a nervous first-date situation. It helps you reduce anxiety and stress and gets you in the mood, but too much alcohol can harm you the other way round.

Positive Mental Attitude: Prolonged stress can lead to a diminished interest in sex. Men and women react differently to stressful situations. For men, sex is often a release of stressful energy;  for women, stress makes sex anathema or beside the point.

Prepare for intimacy: If you are planning a romantic evening with someone, and hope to get him/her “in the mood” then coffee or chocolate can both act as boosters.

Stop Smoking: Its well known that smoking can have a terrible affect on blood flow to the sexual organs as it causes the blood vessels to narrow.

Keep Fit: Exercise helps you feel good about yourself. Anything that improves self-esteem will improve libido.

Be patient: If you or your partner is being treated for loss of interest in sex than the opposite person should be patient as the treatment may take a few weeks or even months.

Ginkgo: Ginkgo has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Some studies show that gingko enhances the effects of nitric oxide — which allows better blood flow to the penis.

Yohimbe: Yohimbe is derived from bark of the yohimbe tree, native to Africa — and traditionally used as an aphrodisiac. It may perhaps increase erections and libido, because it has some effect on the brain.

Massage: Massage techniques can do wonders for sexual arousal particularly if you’re stressed, worried or angry. Prepare the room with soft lighting and soothing music then start with a back massage.

According to Harvard Health Publications, you can boost your self-esteem and your sex drive by shifting the focus from your flaws to your attributes. You can also focus on the pleasure experienced during sex, instead of just the physical aspect.