Masturbation can be an activity that allows us to unwind, relax, and feel pleasure in the midst of our busy and stressful lives. Not only does it feel spectacular (which is reason enough to do it!), but research shows that masturbation leads to physical and mental health benefits. Believe it or not, masturbation habits for a majority of Americans have changed during the past year of quarantine. According to the Tenga 2020 Self-Pleasure Report, 37 percent of Americans reported masturbating more frequently during the first few months of self-isolation. If this is you, virtual high five for upgrading your pleasure routine! However, Lioness’ January 2021 report consisting of the world’s largest physiological data set on sexual behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic shares folks masturbating less frequently as the pandemic went on.
The report found that in 2020, there was a significant decline in masturbation frequency, especially in the last few months of the year. In November 2020 in particular, the data show a 38 percent decline in masturbation frequency when compared to masturbation frequency in November 2019. Given the absolute mess we have been living through for the past 14 months, we’d say this makes a whole bunch of sense. It can be challenging to include masturbation in our routines during normal times let alone during a time of worry, hardships, and global chaos. If you’re someone who has been having trouble prioritizing masturbation — whether this has always been the case or is a recent change — and want to feel good in that way more frequently, read on for some tips as to how to incorporate it into your weekly (or more than weekly — let’s get it!) routine.
1. Go to bed thirty minutes earlier than usual and don’t look at a screen within that time.
Americans spend an average screen time of 5.4 hours on their mobile phones daily. Yikes! This much screen time (especially if some of it is right before bed) can make it more challenging to relax into our bodies before sleep time. During this time, try to listen to music, do an audio meditation, or journal. That way you can listen to your body a little more closely to see if you’re in the mood for masturbation during a time when you would usually be TikToking, Instagramming, Redditing, or Gaming. Bonus: masturbation can enhance sleep quality!
2. Put an hour of “me time” in your calendar twice per week.
It may sound a little silly to plan a biweekly appointment for masturbation, but when you think about it, we make intentional time for so many other health needs, whether that be a gynecologist appointment, a therapy session, or a dental cleaning. Putting “me time” in your calendar can serve as a reminder that masturbation is just as important as any other health need.
3. Treat yourself to a new toy or gift at least every 6 months.
You deserve a sexy treat a couple times a year that doesn’t break the bank. There are always new sex toys, vibrators, lubes, and accessories that allow you to explore different and exciting ways to get yourself off — whether that be for clitoral and/or g-spot stumulation. Toys can be used when you’re alone or when you’re mutually masturbating with your partner(s). There are also lots of new feminist porn app subscriptions and websites geared towards women and LGBTQ+ folks to make masturbating more fun and imaginative.
4. Include exercise and/or body movement into your weekly routine
According to Dr. Mary Claire Haver, OB/GYN, studies consistently show that exercise leads to a higher sex drive and better overall sexual function. This is because exercise decreases stress, leads to overall better body image, increases vaginal lubrication, and increases blood flow to your sexual organs (as well as to the rest of your body). While this won’t automatically cause you to masturbate more, higher libido and more desire to masturbate can follow when moving your body more often.
Masturbation is healthy, gives us time to feel great in our bodies, and allows us to connect with ourselves in a meaningful way. We should be prioritizing our pleasure as we prioritize all other needs and desires in our lives. Listen to your desires and make intentional time for self-pleasure — you deserve it. If you are skipping out on your daily responsibilities (like work, school, or childcare) to masturbate or if masturbating is painful or uncomfortable, chat with a healthcare professional to work on engaging with masturbation in a more healthy way. However, if the above statement doesn’t apply to you, the more masturbation the better!
By The Sex Ed with DB Podcast Team