It seems like everywhere you turn, people are talking about sex. Their own sex life, the details of celebrities or even just the latest craze for BDSM thanks to the popularity of ‘50 Shades of Grey’. No matter who you talk to, it’s only a matter of time before sex comes up and while it’s been great in terms of bringing sex out into the open it has left some people feeling as though their own sex life has gone a bit stale. Luckily, turning things around can be easy – and fun – with these five simple steps.

1. Masturbate

At first glance, masturbating as a way to improve your sex life may sound like a joke but it offers many benefits. First, it encourages you to get those creative juices flowing as you let your fantasies run rampant. This is where you’ll find your inspiration for new toys or role playing fun. Secondly, it helps to improve your own performance. Masturbation gives people the chance to get back in touch with the sexual rhythm of their own body.  Being able to identify the subtle cues your body gives off as it becomes increasingly aroused and approaches orgasm lets you better control how and when you finally go over the edge.

2. Eat Better

Thanks to schedules that are busier than ever, plenty of people have come to rely on fast food and instant meals. But a diet that relies too heavily on these processed foods results in a body that is out of shape and unable to perform as well as it could otherwise. Processed foods contain high levels of fat, sodium and sugar which have all been linked to serious and chronic health issues such as obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure. Scale back on prepared foods and opt instead for fresh foods and raw vegetables and fruit. Even if you may simple swaps to begin, you’ll soon see firsthand just what an effect they can have.

3. Get Fit

Exercise is also an important step towards better sex and not only because it means you’ll look better naked. Spending time exercising a few times a week will build up your endurance and improves cardiovascular health. Increased circulation means more blood flowing to every part of your body. When it comes to the sex organs, greater circulation means more heightened arousal and, for men, harder and stronger erections.

4. Talk Dirty

While more and more people are comfortable discussing sex with friends or even strangers online, it’s surprising how few are willing to have that same conversation with their partner. Talking about sex one on one can be awkward for some, but working through that initial unease ends up being well worth the effort. A couple who comes together to discuss the finer points of sex can then experiment more openly with each other and have a better understanding of how to make themselves – and their partner – happy.

5. Know Yourself

Part of being able to communicate effective with your partner means having a clear idea of what you want personally. This means not only knowing what your own fantasies are, but also what your borders are. As you discuss the things you’d like to do with – and to – one another, be clear about your own limits and agree on certain ground rules. Setting these rules and boundaries may, again, seem a bit awkward when you first begin but it gives some framework to your discussion. Knowing that there are certain parameters in place also offers more security and, in some ways, makes it easier to discuss all the possibilities.

These five simple steps can work for any couple, no matter what stage of the relationship they are in and no matter what their personal fetishes may be. It simply gives couples the framework to improve their own performance and find a way to reach out and connect with their partner in order to reignite the flame.