Porn on the Brain
Give your eyes a rest. Looking at porn can interfere with working memory, suggests a new study from Germany. Researchers who showed men a series of images – some pornographic, some not – and then had them complete memory tests noted a drop in the men’s scores after they’d viewed the smut. The scientists say explicit content holds your attention longer and more intensely than non-explicit stuff does, and it can disrupt your focus even after you’re done looking.
Become a Dream Couple
Here’s some worthwhile pillow talk: telling her about your dreams may help you bond. In a recent Swedish study, couples who consistently shared their dreams reported feeling closer to each other than those who didn’t. Such private revelations may deepen mutual trust, according to study author Michael Rohde Olsen. So try to open up to her at least once a week, but don’t bother describing the dreams about, say, sex with your ex. That’ll only lead to nightmares.
Why Athletes are Studs
To help your swimmers, try diving into more workouts. Researchers at Harvard report that regular exercise may help boost your sperm count. In the study, the sperm concentrations of men who sweated more than seven hours a week were 43% higher, on average, than those of guys who logged an hour or less. Exercise produces antioxidant enzymes that may protect sperm cells from oxidative damage, says study author Professor Audrey Gaskins. The best protection? Weightlifting and outdoor activities, such as gardening. Pumping iron can also boost testosterone levels and insulin sensitivity, both of which help facilitate sperm production, Gaskins says.
Call Her Bluff
Her tease is your test: women play “hard to get” not only to boost their sex appeal but also to assess your level of commitment, a new study in the European Journal of Personality reveals. They want to know if you’re in it for more than casual sex, says study author Professor Peter K. Jonason. The more you show your willingness to accept the challenges of the chase, the more likely she is to think you’re seeking a serious relationship. So don’t be discouraged by these tactics: she sounds busy, she’s hard to reach, her availability is limited, her initial interest seems to fade, or she seeks your attention and then ignores it.
