Ready for a challenge?
Frustrated by a lack of specifics in the vast majority of articles about masturbation, writer Hayley Macmillen decided to come up with her own way to change stigmas by getting into the specifics of proper self love. She teamed up with acclaimed sex therapist Vanessa Marin to bring women a first-of-its-kind 30-Day Masturbation Challenge. We added one more day cause who doesn't need some extra me time.
"There are lots of reasons to masturbate — getting to know your body, learning how to orgasm, developing better confidence, decreasing stress, supporting healthier societal attitudes about female pleasure," says Marin, "but the best reason is simply because it feels good! Your body is capable of experiencing so much pleasure; why wouldn't you want to make that pleasure a part of daily life?"
THE 31-DAY MASTURBATION CHALLENGE
Before we tell you what's happening on Day 31, here's what to know:
1. DIFFERENT STROKES TO MOVE THE WORLD.
Feel free to mix up strokes in any given session. Set a timer so that you can immerse yourself in what you're feeling. Didn't hit the recommended number of minutes per day? Don't worry about it. Just plan a longer sessions the next day. It's important to take your time.
2. IT'S NOT ABOUT THE ORGASM.
This is about getting to know your body and your turn-ons in a pressure-free, process-oriented environment. And, if you do orgasm before the end of your session, it's up to you whether to continue...but why not spend some more time on yourself?
3. TOYS ARE OKAY, BUT DON'T NEGLECT TOUCH.
Go ahead and incorporate your favorite toys into your playtime (may we suggest this one from Emojibator) but spend part of each session trying out the manual moves tech-free.
4. LUBE IT UP!
Just a little lube can go a long way and many women don't realize it's benefits outside of partnered sex. Just keep it water-based if you're playing with toys.
5. PORN IS A WONDERFUL THING.
Not into porn? Well maybe you just have not yet found porn you like yet. Be sure to check out female-focused sites like Make Love, Not Porn and this list of great porn sites for women.