Let's get it on ... it's Valentine's Day!

Today is definitely one of those times when you're expected to get up and spring into action.

The pressure's on. As you read this, you may be heading to work, taking a coffee break, or on your way home after clocking in too many hours at your job.

Still, this is no ordinary day. Of course you already know that from the number of blokes you've spotted dashing about with big bouquets of flowers in their hands.

Okay, so you've picked up the chocolates, made a last-minute pit stop at your local florist ... and you know what's coming next.

Here's the thing, getting down and dirty because you're both feeling randy is one thing, but having sex simply because it's Feb. 14 seems rather forced, non?

Regardless, if you're in a relationship, you're probably going to be having sex today. It is, after all the one day of year dedicated to celebrating romantic love.

"You're not forced to, but you sort of have to," says a 20-something friend planning to celebrate V-Day by having sex with her beau.

"It's cliche, but it's expected because it's a day of love ... and hopefully you also want to," she laughs.

She's right, of course, but what happens if you're tired, rundown and not feeling your typical sexy self?

Not only are you expected to lunge into hyper-mushy mode (put on the smooth-music, dine over candlelight and gaze at one another as though you're starring in your very own romantic Hollywood movie) eventually, you've got to rise to the occasion, slip out of your workwears and get that libido pumping.

Does failing to offer up a stellar V-day performance spell relationship disaster?

It definitely could.

Like it or loathe it, Valentine's Day is one of Great Sex-pectations.

Still, other than an abundance of sweet-tooth offerings floating about the office, you're still at work, have stress to digest, and are facing a to-do list that runs longer than your arm. In other words, V-day feels pretty much like any other day.

Problem is, it isn't.

You're on high alert to pull out all the stops -- sprinkle flower petals on the bed, run a steamy bath spilling over with calming bubbles, but wait, there's one little snag ... you're simply not in the mood.

Last thing you feel like doing is switching gears for a night of red-hot seduction.

Certainly stress can diminish our libido-loving natures, but today is not the time to play the "too tired" card, ladies and gents.

The good news is that by getting busy between the sheets, you'll not only get the benefits of bonding with your sweetheart, but the sexual release will also help alleviate that stressful build up.

To help give your libido a jumpstart, consider starting out slow in a soothing environment. Set the stage with relaxing music and aromatherapy before laying on the love by exchanging sensual massages. The touch of your partner's hands will reduce the day's tension as well as make you feel more connected to one another.

While it's true we can't always be in the mood for love, on V-Day, I advise you take one for the team here.

After all, once those feel good endorphins start pumping through your system during sex, there's a pretty good chance you'll be happy that you did.

____

Try deep breathing. This relaxes the body and oxygenates the blood.

Before meeting up with your Valentine, squeeze in a quick workout at the gym or consider walking home from work. Exercise is a natural stress-buster.

Listen to soothing music as it's been linked with lowering blood pressure, reducing stress and, of course, it helps set the mood.

Eat well. Eating a delicious and nutritious dinner will increase your energy levels and help squash tension by stabilizing blood sugar levels.

---

VALENTINE'S ACTION

31% of Canadians over 30 expect to have sex today

58% say a roll between the sheets is unlikey

85% of guys said that they would prefer sex over chocolate

31% of women said that they would take the chocolate instead

______________________________________