Looking for an excuse to masturbate? Here are 6.
By Leslie K. Hughes
Masturbation: the thing that most of us love to do, but don’t love to talk about. A study done by Tenga found that about 88% of the population in the United States plays with themselves – 95% of men and 81% of women.
We like those numbers (though ladies – we’re slacking). However, there is a number that we don’t like: That same study also found that only half of people who masturbate actually talk about it.
The lack of conversation about masturbation is a pity. Why do we perpetuate the stigma of silence around this thing that feels oh-so-good and is proven to provide a slew of benefits?
In honor of National Masturbation Month, we are busting through that passé stigma so you can bust a . . . whatever you need to. We are opening up the convo to the incredible benefits of masturbation, and what you stand to gain from making masturbation a regular part of your life.
The Top 6 Benefits of Masturbation
Along with journaling, meditating, walking, eating well, and exercising, masturbating is also a stellar form of self-care that, when practiced regularly, can really make turn your frown upside-down (but seriously).
How?
Here are the main reasons why touching yourself truly amazing.
1. It helps you sleep
Having trouble catching enough zzzs? Instead of putting your math skills to work and counting sheep, try putting your hand skills to work and masturbating. The hormone released after orgasm, oxytocin, can help to lower your stress and make it easier for you to sleep. In addition to that, sleeping well can keep your libido high, so you definitely want to get a good night’s sleep.
2. It gives you confidence, in and out of bed
The better you know your own body, the more you love it. And the more you love your body, the more confidence you exude. Confidence goes a long way when it comes to attracting a mate and also when it comes to sex. Knowing what you want in bed is hot – not only for your lucky partner but also for you.
3. It reduces stress and anxiety
The oxytocin released after orgasm helps to lower your cortisol levels and is a natural way to combat stress and anxiety. Another chemical called dopamine is also released during masturbation. This is the happy hormone responsible for boosting your mood and making you feel happy.
4. It makes partner sex even better
By taking the time to get to know yourself before sharing yourself with others, you learn what your body goes crazy for. That’s great news for you, and also for the person you’re about to throw in the bedroom mix. All you have to do is communicate what you do to yourself, and your partner can take the wheel. You get what you want, your partner gets what they want, everyone has great sex, and the world is a better place.
5. It may increase your libido
Our brain trains us that when we find something we like, we want more of it. So, when you find what you like in terms of masturbation, your body craves it more. This is great, and can seriously improve your sex life. Reaching for yourself becomes especially important when your libido drops, which can be due to depression, exhaustion, stress, and more. When you aren’t feeling that fire inside, light it up anyway, because it will make you feel better.
6. In increases immunity
Want masturbation to save you from potentially getting sick? When you orgasm, your cortisol levels go up for a brief moment, and that little increase stimulates your immune system. We aren’t going to say that masturbation alone can keep you from getting sick, but when mixed with other things (like a good diet, sleep, etc.), it can help.
You deserve to have a great sex life, be healthy, and be happy. So get out there, make us proud, and masturbate.
