Early mornings, traffic, getting the kids to school, that brief outburst of road rage, too much coffee, paperwork up to your ears, then a mediocre and oily lunch. Stopping briefly to snigger in the office at some lewd chain email, picking the kids up, feeding and bathing them and then ending your day off in front of the TV are all hardly reasons to feel even vaguely turned on or sexy about yourself.

And they're certainly no way to keep your sex life alive and healthy. In fact, the stress of daily life ? the bills that need paying, the deadlines that need meeting, as well as answering the constant demands and needs of our loved ones can sometimes get a little tough on our sense of wellbeing.

Not only do we feel anxious, but sometimes, that stress can be so overwhelming, that we just feel plain depressed.

Granted it's not possible to ignore your daily responsibilities but while sex may seem a little inconvenient, it is definitely one way to help lift your spirits and help you cope. Not only will getting down and dirty make you feel like you're connected to your partner, it will also help you to feel good about yourself. In fact, studies have proven that those who have sex more often are happier, healthier people.

How can we deal with the stress of our day-to-day responsibilities, and make sure that we get hotter under the sheets than we do under the collars on the way to work? Sex can help to relieve that pent-up anxiety as well as helping us to get back in touch with your partner.

Stress and sex offer similar physiological reactions: quickened pulse, heavier breathing and higher heart rate. And because stress has become such a part of our daily routine, it's almost as if this physiological reaction in us has replaced our need for action in the bedroom. While it's always been known that women experience low libido due to stress, this is being recognised as a reaction to stress in men too. The bottom line is that we need to put in the work to achieve a healthy sex life.

Get your head in the zone with some of these sexy tips.

Sunday evening can be such a strain and rush. It's often the bluest evening in your household but take advantage of it by taking a long preening for a week of great sex. Being comfortable in nothing but your skin is primary to getting you feeling confident and sensual in the bedroom.

It's Monday morning and the great rat race has begun. From this angle, you can't see how you're going to find the time or energy to enjoy sex with your partner. But don't forget that you can feel sexy and still get all the chores done. Here are some cheeky ideas:

Wear your sexiest underwear to work or better yet, wear none. Knowing what you've got (or haven't) on underneath your work clothes is a great start to anticipating some fun in the bedroom later on.

Give your partner a hint. An SMS or a quick call to let them know what's underneath your clothes may just be the answer to your waning sex drive. Put yourself out there by letting your partner in on your naughty secret. You'll be surprised at how turning them on can help to get your head in the right place too.

Touchy-feely. At home, while you're getting dinner ready, make sure you touch your partner. Stop to kiss them in the hall, give them a pat on the bum. Prepare yourself and them for your sexy session through small gestures of desire.

Gargle with some minty mouthwash and get ready for some snogging ? it's a great way to communicate your desire to your partner and to find out how they're feeling about themselves.

If you have the time and space, try a quick strip session to your favourite tune. Trust me, you'll have your partner panting for you. Not sure how to strip with style? Click here for a few tips.

Just when you thought you could use those age-old excuses for avoiding a romp in the sack, here are some easy solutions:

No time ? perfect for that quickie. Turn off the TV and focus on each other.

What if the kids see? Use the times that they're engrossed in their favourite TV programmes as time for yourselves.

It's important the you focus on keeping your body and yourself healthy by taking vitamins, eating well and trying to fit in some exercise daily. Prepare your body for good health and you're sure to magically find your libido. If you absolutely can't find the time for that exercise session. at least try following these three rules:

While alcohol can loosen you up, too much is going to knock the libido right out of you. Limit your alcohol intake to an absolute maximum of two glasses.

Reduce your caffeine intake. Caffeine is believed to reduce those hormones that get you hoping for heavy petting, whilst simultaneously increasing those hormones that get you highly strung. If you're after an increased sex life, try giving up your caffeine fix or reducing it to one or two cups a day.

Just breathe. Stop for a moment and take deep breaths that will assist your body in calming you down, reducing your adrenaline-pumping heart beat and creating a more relaxed and receptive you.