Cortisol levels decrease after sex, according to The Journal of Sexual Medicine. This is the hormone that is responsible for the body's stress response, and with less of it present, you'll feel more relaxed.
Endorphins are another hormone released during sex. These are associated with increased feelings of pleasure, motivation, and energy. This means sex, like exercise, may be able to boost your mood if you're feeling down.
"We know that people who engage in sex generally have less anxiety and stress," Depree says.
