To figure out how to combat stress, you first have to understand the purpose of stress — and there is a very good one!

For early humankind, stress was a lifesaver. When our ancestors were in danger, stress ignited the fight-or-flight response, which helped keep them safe from threats such as wild animals.

In modern times, however, stress is generally the result of having too much to do and too little time to do it in, problems at work, and struggles within families. We have all this adrenaline revving us up, but unlike our ancestors we have no outlet, such as running to safety, to release this tension. Instead, we stew under the pressure — and become more stressed as a result!

These feelings of stress can chip away at your libido. Not only is it difficult for you to be in the moment and appreciate your partner, but you're probably tired, grumpy, and anxious. Some people overeat because of stress, so in addition to their brain chemicals being out of whack, they also suffer from blood sugar spikes because of gorging on junk food and takeout. (Not to mention that overeating contributes to weight gain, which can also chip away at self-esteem and hence libido!)

However, even when you know all the negative effects of stress, getting rid of it is not so simple. Here are some ideas on how to free yourself of stress and enjoy sex with your partner:

Work out your adrenaline. Becoming active is the quickest and easiest way to lessen the effects of stress. Exercise might be the last thing you want to do after a long day at work, but just 20 to 30 minutes spent breaking a sweat can rid your body of stress and recharge you for the night. If the treadmill isn’t your thing, try swimming, tennis, or a Pilates class. Yoga is also a great way to relax and become present.

Rethink your schedule. If you know that you always get stressed near the end of the day, try changing your schedule to improve your mood. Tackle big projects in the morning, when you have more energy, and don’t forget to rest and recharge throughout the day. Spend 90 minutes completely focused on the task at hand, then take a 5 to 10 minute break to do some deep breathing, listen to some music, or walk to the post office. By giving yourself just a small break, you can improve your mental function and get back in the game.

Let it go. Easier said than done, right? Not really. You are in charge of your mental space, and only you can determine your mood and your outlook. Start creating a positive mood before the day even begins. In the morning, promise yourself that you will work for a set number of hours that day, and when you have reached your set time limit, put down the work and let it go for the rest of the day. A hard day’s work deserves (and requires) rest and relaxation, so give your day 100 percent — but give your night 100 percent as well!