10 WAYS TO MAKE MORE TIME FOR SEX



Too knackered for nookie? You're not the only one. A survey last week revealed that women are having less sex now than housewives did in the 1950s. Here's how to create more time for the fun things in life...

1 Work out a balance

Don't let work take over your life. Not only does it leave you with no time for sex, the knock-on effect of stress can affect your libido. If possible, schedule in a morning or afternoon when you are both off.

It may sound unromantic making love according to a timetable but the reality can be a real turn-on, as you can both look forward to your special time together. You could even write it on the kitchen calendar in code.

2 Don't be a slave to housework

Take control. Imagine you're a hired cleaner and give yourself set hours of work, preferably when your partner is at work, too. When he or she clocks off, so should you.

There is nothing sexy about a worn out housewife (or house-husband) who smells of Domestos and is too tired to even take off the Marigolds, let alone slip into something sexy.

Make a timetable of "must-do" chores, delegate jobs and don't be depressed if your house isn't spotless. Nobody has ever had the epitaph: "I wish I'd done more housework."

3 Say no... and mean it

Don't keep doing favours for others. Learn to say no. Ask yourself this: how many times have you turned down sex or pretended to be asleep because you're too tired to make love?

And how does that figure compare to the number of times you've said "no" to everybody else's requests for your time? Chances are, you'll readily perform chores for family and friends.

But if you explain to them that you'd be overburdening yourself by doing them, they'll respect you more.

4 Don't chat about it, just do it

Don't have a discussion about "When do we ever get time for sex?" Just grab your man and have a quickie.

He'll love the thrill of being seduced unexpectedly, it probably won't take too long and the chances are the kids won't even have noticed you've gone.

If you have no kids, take a leaf out of Sven Goran Eriksson's book and do it on the stairs - you won't even have to make the bed.

5 Brekkie can be a turn-on

Talk to your partner in the morning about when you might be able to have sex that day. Often just discussing it at breakfast can be a turn-on and, before you know it, you've had sex.

Instead of having a "to-do" list of mundane tasks, have a to-do list of sexual needs. Write down what you both want and decide a time to do it. If sex isn't a top priority in your life, ask yourselves why not.

Ask each other what you should put on your to-do list to please the other person.

6 Forget the heroics..

Try to be a superwoman and you'll end up feeling anything but when you collapse at night. If you have small children, offer to have their friends over - chances are, your children will be invited back.

And if nosy teens are inhibiting your sex life, suggest a sleepover so they stay at a friend's one night and you return the favour later.

7 Relight the fire.. over a hot stove

Some chores, such as cooking dinner, are inescapable. But you can make the most of it... If you have a houseful of kids, smearing your partner with cream while you make the trifle isn't really an option but there's nothing to stop you cooking a romantic dinner together while the kids are watching telly or in bed.

It can be a sensual experience, especially if you choose heady spices and seductive seafoods.

8 Shape up with sexercise

Fitting in a session at the gym can consume your evening but exercise shouldn't be sidelined in your quest for more sex time. The more you exercise, the more sexy and energised you will feel.

Plus it will make your body more attractive. One answer is to exercise at home, on a bike, rowing machine or treadmill.

Alternatively, start exercising with your partner or with the whole family. That way, the kids have been tired out... and the night is still young.

9 The click-smart way to prioritise

Simplify your life and reduce time spent on chores by logging on to the internet.

Order bulky foodstuffs, presents and holiday bargains. Also tap into internet banking and pay your bills by direct debit to cut down on trips to the bank. Life is just too short. You'll free up more time to spend with your partner.

10 Enjoy a private fantasy

Give yourself several little breaks throughout the day, however busy you are. Even five minutes spent lying on the sofa with your eyes closed will help you to chill out, re-focus and give you a more positive attitude to life.

If you feel stressed out about something, think of a relaxing scene, such as a favourite holiday beach, and imagine you are stretched out on the sand while the sun beats down.

Fantasising about your partner is also very much allowed. That way, you'll be much more likely to be in the mood when you do spend time together.

SHORTCUTS TO STEAL MORE TIME

DON'T RELY ON TEXTING: Planning holidays or nights out via text message is just silly. It's far easier - and quicker - to simply talk about big decisions.

MULTI-TASK: If you're hooked on a book, read in the bath while you pamper yourself... then there'll only be one thing on your mind when you get into bed.

BE YOUR OWN SECRETARY: Save all your long phone calls for a Sunday afternoon and turn on the answerphone in the evening.

CLICK ON "SAVE": If using a computer, get into the habit of doing this every few minutes. You know how frustrating it is having to type everything out again if your terminal or laptop crashes.

DON'T CONSTANTLY CLEAR UP AFTER THE KIDS: Set a "tidy up time" in the evening and get it done in one fell swoop.