Hold eye contact or make noise

Morice says that eye contact can be a powerful way to anchor yourself in the moment. “It might feel a little intimidating at first, but sustained eye contact with a partner increases oxytocin, the bonding hormone, making sex feel more intimate and connected. Similarly, making noise – whether it’s a moan, sigh or whispered word – can help keep you engaged in the experience.”

Narrate the moment

This could either be out loud or in your head to redirect the mind. Martínez explains: “Instead of letting your mind drift, describe what’s happening. Saying, ‘I love how this feels’, ‘You smell amazing’ or ‘I love how warm your skin is’ locks you into the experience and deepens connection.”

Practise sexual mindfulness

Bring your attention to your senses in the moment rather than chasing an orgasm, says Annabelle Knight, sex and relationship expert at Lovehoney. “Try to root your attention as much as possible in the sensations you are feeling, using these as an anchor to focus your mind. Do you feel warmth, tingling or something building? Don’t make the mistake of becoming too focused on the ‘goal’ of coming – being hyper-focused on the finish line can take you away from the path of reaching one.”

Schedule ample time

Knight points out that sometimes we get distracted for good reason – we simply have lots of other things to do. “Mindfulness techniques will only get you so far if you arrive in the bedroom feeling rushed, stressed or overwhelmed. [It’s much better to set] a specific time for intimacy, when you have nothing else in your calendar, and distractions are minimised as much as possible.”

How to stop thinking about your to-do lists and dinner plans during sex (and why that’s totally normal), according to sex therapists