Sometimes sex just doesn’t come naturally. Work’s busy. Kids are constant. The house needs cleaning. *brain explodes*

You get it.

And even though you might have been successful in making time and space for intimacy with your partner, getting in the mood can take a bit of extra effort. Well you’ve come to the right place. We’ve pulled together five fun foreplay ideas to get you and your partner to forget the day’s stresses and get in the right headspace for a bit of fun.

1. Oil up for a sexy massage

Erotic massage is the 101 of foreplay moves. Massage ticks every box because you can destress, relax and start some of the physical action all at once. If this is something you’re keen to try with a partner, leave a hint with a nice bottle of scented massage oil by the bed. Most massage oils are natural so it shouldn’t matter if a bit gets into the sex-organ region. Not confident in your massage skills? Brush up with a Youtube tutorial first (search Swedish massage technique). To take it a step further, check out the massage toys and instruments on the market.

2. Snuggle up for a raunchy flick

Sitting down at the end of a long day to watch a movie is the perfect way to change gear and unwind. To avoid the sports channel, suggest watching some ethical erotica (eg. Bright Desire films) or simply some softcore porn. Move things along by offering a foot massage while you watch or let the hands wander. Our bet is you’ll be watching the underside of your bed sheets in no time.

3. Play games such as Wheel of Foreplay

There are a heap of fun games out there to start the conversation, encourage foreplay and move into sexual territory. One that requires no preparation or investment that we love is Wheel of Foreplay. Simply head over to the website, agree to the consent guidelines and play with your partner. You can choose between categories of long distance, physical, sensual, mindful and going solo, and then spin the wheel. With a little pleasure to be uncovered in every spin, the cards are always in your favour.

4. Slow dance your way into bed

A sex therapist gave us this one. Having a little impromptu dance in your living rooms helps to get the body moving, release tension and ignite romance. Of course, getting the dancing going is not always as smooth as Ryan Gosling asking Emma Stone to do the dirty dancing move with him in Crazy, Stupid, Love but hey – one can only try. Pop on a Spotify playlist, pour a wine or a whisky (or anything, we’re not the boss of you), and suggest a slow dance with your partner. You’ll be smooching it up in no time.

5. Dress up (or not at all) for the occasion

It’s not for everyone, but engaging in a little role play can seriously set the tone for a raunchy evening. Assuming there’s no professional actors reading this, a simple dress up can help get you into character. And dressing up doesn’t have to be the sexy nurse or school girl costume typically assigned to foreplay and fetishes. It could just be a really sexy outfit you’ve got in your wardrobe that you could strip tease in, or some of your favourite lingerie. Of course, if you’re willing, there’s a multitude of actual costumes that you can bring into the bedroom. Browse some here.