’Secret ingredient’: Jana Hocking reveals why you need a friend with benefits

New research has revealed a surprising truth about your sex life – and according to Jana Hocking, it could be a real game-changer.

Sex is a marvellous thing. I’ve enjoyed its benefits for years.

The excitement of getting my kit off in a flurry of passion. The heat of another body on top of mine. The post-coital glow. It’s all far too wonderful.

But recently, I’ve been told to include it as part of my health routine, and can I tell you – I’ve never been more chuffed to work up a sweat.

Yes, seriously.

You see, a recent study has revealed a surprising health boost that might just make you skip that yoga class and replace it with a good roll in the hay instead.

According to new research published in the Journal of Psychosexual Health, there’s some pretty darn compelling evidence that women who enjoy sex more frequently could be adding years to their lives.

Yes, you read that right – frequent sex is the secret ingredient for a healthier heart and a longer life. So perhaps those “you up?” texts aren’t such a bad idea.

The study revealed women aged 20 to 59 who engaged in sexual activity less than once a week faced a staggering 70 per cent increase in the risk of all-cause mortality.

On the flip side, those who had sex more than once a week had lower levels of a protein linked to inflammation, which can contribute to chronic diseases that harm cells and organs.

The researchers therefore concluded that more frequent sexy times could be a game-changer for a woman’s health regimen.

more frequent sexy times could be a game-changer for a woman’s health regimen.

So, if you’ve ever muttered those frightful words, “Not tonight, I’ve got a headache” – well, you might want to rethink that. You know, for your health.

And listen, if you’re single like me, you’ll probably be thinking, ‘oh no, my health is doomed’ … But is it?

I’ve got a solution that’s a little tut-tutted in society, but has worked a treat for me.

It’s finding yourself a FWB – friend with benefits – just while you take your time to find a well-suited long-term partner.

I’ve had one for about a year now, and he has been a fabulous addition to my life, and, as it turns out, health plan. He and I had a very adult conversation about our situation, and while we are fabulous friends, we would definitely not make great long-term partners.

So we do the next best thing – get nude from time to time, and then get on with our everyday lives.

And the benefits aren’t just helping to increase my mortality rate.

I’ve also noticed it puts me in a great mood, and it’s made my home far tidier – because no one wants to get it on in a messy bedroom. Well, boys probably wouldn’t mind, but I need a bit of mood lighting and a clean work space. Plus, I’ve got something a little naughty and exciting to look forward to.

FWBs are particularly great for those of us between relationships or simply seeking a bit of fun without the commitment of a full-blown romance. The casual nature of an FWB lets me enjoy all the perks of a fulfilling sexual relationship without the pressures that often accompany traditional dating.

My only caveat would be that you can run the risk of catching feelings for your FWB. And that’s when things get tricky. So, I recommend keeping those communication lines open.

My FWB and I tend to come and go in each other’s lives. We’ll quietly take a back seat if either one of us gets into a serious dating scenario. But if the mood is right, and the dating calendar is bleak, we’ll send each other a cheeky “hey” text from time to time.

So why not take a page from the study’s findings and consider the health benefits of a well-maintained FWB arrangement? After all, if regular sexy times can contribute to a healthier heart and a longer life, then it’s a big yes (and possibly “Ooooh”) from me.

It sure beats pilates and kale.

Jana Hocking is a columnist and collector of kind-of-boyfriends | @jana_hocking

Originally published as ’Secret ingredient’: Jana Hocking reveals why you need a friend with benefits