According to some statistics, this year’s top New Year’s resolutions are saving more money, eating healthier, exercising more, and losing weight—kind of boring, if you ask us, when you could resolve to have more and better sex (which can be a workout in itself!). After all, great sex boosts your mood, reduces pain, improves sleep, and helps you feel closer to your partner. And switching up your sex life even just a little bit can lead to lasting benefits for both you and your relationships.
Below, some super-simple tips for enjoying the best sex you’ve ever had in 2026.
1. Revamp your bedroom.
The environment you have sex in makes a difference in how much you can focus, connect, and feel. Since the new year is an opportune time to give your room a makeover anyway, consider investing in a new blanket, mattress, mood lamp, or massage oil. “You can decorate your home and bedroom in ways that invite desire, sensuality, and pleasure,” Bianca I. Laureano, a sexologist, AASECT-certified sex educator, and founder of ANTE UP!, tells SELF. “Maybe it will be more scented candles, dim lighting, or cleaning out your sex toy drawers and really focusing on which ones you enjoy the most.” Chances are, you’ll be more excited to jump into bed by yourself or with a partner, and when you do, your mind will feel calm and quiet.
2. Create a sex playlist.
There’s nothing like some sexy tunes to set the mood. Lauraeano recommends creating a “sultry playlist” to turn on during sex. You can curate it on your own or collaborate with a partner—or you can each create one and play them for each other. “The work of creating the playlist, taking your time with the process, could feel like creating a work of art,” she says.
3. Say “no” more often.
The more you use your voice and say what you don’t want—whether that’s a partner who’s just not doing it for you or a sexual act you’re not a big fan of—the more space you’ll leave for what you do want. “This sometimes means saying ‘no’ to having sex with others; maybe you will be with yourself exclusively to get to know your changing body,” says Laureano. “It may also mean saying ‘no’ to the sex you don’t want to continue to have. This is so important to honor where and what your interests include and to give yourself the gift of being fully present when possible.” Contrary to what you might think, saying “no” creates intimacy, Laureano adds, as it lets your partners in on what you’re feeling and frees them to set boundaries and express desires as well.
4. Expand your porn repertoire.
Nowadays, there are so many ethical, female-friendly options for those seeking visual stimulation. Consider a subscription to a feminist porn site like FrolicMe, Forplay Films, or Lust Cinema. “My tip would be to explore what you personally enjoy through self-pleasure and ethical erotica via stories, audios, or films,” Anna Richards, founder of the independent female-led erotic site FrolicMe, tells SELF. “Understanding what truly arouses and excites you is foundational to better sex whether solo or with a partner,” she says. “By understanding yourself better, you can communicate your desires.”
Tara Suwinyattichaiporn, PhD, (who goes by Dr. Tara), an associate professor at California State University, Fullerton, and author of How Do You Like It? A Guide For Getting What You Want (In Bed), suggests listening to audio erotica via apps like Dipsea and Quinn during self-pleasure, foreplay, or sex. “It can be a great way to spice things up in a non-visual way, training your brain to access different pleasure pathways,” Dr. Tara says. Yet another option: Converse with an erotic AI chatbot like Bloom’s.
5. Master mindfulness outside the bedroom.
“Mindfulness is a significant predictor of sexual satisfaction,” says Dr. Tara. “Research shows there are many benefits to it, such as an ability to orgasm more easily, increased sexual desire, increased arousal, more consistent erections and vaginal lubrication, and more.” Try using a meditation app like Insight Timer and searching its library for words like “sex” and “sensuality.” You can also practice mindfulness by paying attention to the details of your everyday life, such as how food tastes in your mouth and how the water in the shower feels against your skin. The more you feel outside the bedroom, the more you’ll feel in it.
6. Take a quiz.
Online quizzes can help you get to know yourself better or help you and your partner get to know each other sexually. Try taking the erotic blueprint quiz, which tells you how you best get turned on, or the sex personality test, which reveals your sexual communication style and how you can improve it. (Think: love languages, but for sex.) “This will contribute to a more informed conversation about your sex life and ultimately lead to better mutual sexual satisfaction,” says Dr. Tara.
7. Go on a sexy vacation.
Every few years, an internet survey reveals what sexually satisfied couples already know: Traveling together makes your sex life even better. So plan a fun romantic getaway, or better yet, go on a sex retreat. “There has been a rise of wellness culture in 2025, and I believe in 2026, people will seek out more meaningful in-person experiences,” says Dr. Tara. “You can try a tantric sex retreat, a back to the body retreat, or a couple’s retreat.” Go on a therapist-led retreat like Intimacy Moons if you’re looking to work on your relationship, or if you’re feeling adventurous, check out a clothing-optional resort like Desire where you can experiment with public sex.
8. Hit up a sex-positive event.
Another way to broaden your horizons: Try going to a sex party or sex club. “Play parties are becoming more popular as it’s discussed more openly in mainstream culture and podcasts,” says Dr. Tara. “And it makes sense: People are curious and want a safe place to explore.” She suggests researching clubs that vet attendees by interviewing them and making sure they understand consent and boundaries. A few popular clubs that exist in multiple major cities are Social Elite, Snctm, and Skirt Club. You can also use the app Plura to find a variety of sex-positive events, including workshops and clothed social gatherings. You’re not required to do anything, but you might just meet new people and be exposed to new ideas that can further spice things up this year.
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