Is your (sex) life in the winter blues? Have you been feeling a little (or a lot) less horny than usual lately? You’re not alone. In fact, you’re in seriously good company. One in three women say that sometimes they just aren’t in the mood. Sometimes that lack of libidinal drive has an identifiable cause (such as family drama, recent illness, or work stress), but other times it’s something that just happens.

Of course, you have the right to just wait things out if that’s how you feel, but you don’t have to unless you want to. Here, we’ll discuss a few tried-and-true tips to kickstart your libido and get back to your usual sexy self.

Relationship damage limitation

Of course, if you’re in a relationship, you don’t want to let a sexual dry spell drag on for too long. Sex is an important part of how couples stay connected, but it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to addressing a libido issue. Start with the following.

Talk about it

A conversation is always a good place to start when it comes to anything that may be affecting your partner or relationship, including a low point in sex drive. Just talk to them about what’s going on so they know it’s not about them. If there’s anything they can do to help get you back on track, let them know, but making sure they’re in the loop can go a long way.

Plan romantic nights out

When you’ve been with someone for a while, it goes without saying that life can often take priority over romance. If that’s been happening more often than not lately, it’s probably not helping your sex drive. Make some plans to get out of the house and go on a date with your significant other soon. It might be just what you need to unwind and get back in the mood.

Try some new moves

Most couples have a way of falling back on what works after a while, and low libido can be a sign that it’s time to change things up. Think of it as the perfect excuse to think outside the box and get a little naughtier than usual. Take turns sharing fantasies one night or flip through your copy of the Kama Sutra together for inspiration. Try some custom role-playing or bring one of your favorite sex toys into the bedroom to experiment with together. Get as creative as you like! (For a fun toy or game that’s right up your alley, stop by the store to pick up the perfect items.)

Sexual self-care

It’s also important to make sure you’re taking care of yourself when it comes to increasing your libido. The following suggestions will have you feeling like yourself in no time, both in and out of the bedroom.

Go to the gym

Exercise is the answer to many potential physical problems, and low sex drive is no exception. Regular workouts help keep us in top shape at all levels. They help release endorphins and keep hormone levels regulated. In addition, exercise builds strength, stamina, and confidence – all great assets to have in your corner when it comes to your bedroom play. Make sure to support your workouts with a healthy, balanced diet for the best results.

Go for a check-up

Hormonal imbalances, chronic conditions, and even certain medications can all contribute to potential female libido issues. If there’s a chance this could be the case for you, it never hurts to schedule an appointment with your doctor to talk things over and make sure your system is in good working order. Your doctor may have some helpful insight into how to get you back on track or may be able to make some adjustments to your ongoing treatment plan.

Schedule some solo time

Masturbation may seem counterproductive when you’re already struggling to get in the mood, but the opposite is true. The more orgasms you have, the more you’ll want to have, especially once your body gets used to having that release on a regular basis. Plus, there’s a lot less pressure and performance anxiety to worry about when it’s just you and your trusty vibrator. Consider investing in a few new goodies for your personal toy box to spice things up a bit.

At the end of the day, sexual dry spells and libido issues happen to the best of us from time to time, but we don’t have to give in or let it affect our relationships. Do what you can to get things back on track, but also make sure you’re patient with yourself. Before you know it, you’ll be back where you want to be.