5 Reasons Why Masturbation Should Be Part of Your Quarantine

Quarantine is a stressful time for all of us, whether you’re bored at home or an essential worker trying to go about your business as usual in the middle of a pandemic (in which case, we’re so grateful). No matter your situation, we’re all looking for ways to unwind and distract ourselves from the craziness of COVID-19. But one of the best ways to enjoy a little pleasure amidst a lot of stress and uncertainty is something you may already be intimately familiar with: masturbation.

At Bellesa, we already believe that masturbation is an essential part of self-care. And making time for your pleasure should absolutely be a priority during quarantine — not just because there’s nothing else to do (or no one else to do it with), but because of the many benefits to your mental and physical health and well-being. Most importantly, according to the New York City Department of Health, “you are your safest sexual partner” right now. Masturbation will not spread COVID-19, especially if you wash your hands (and sex toys) with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after using them. Masturbation is not only one of the safest ways to keep yourself occupied, but it can also relieve stress, improve sleep quality, and even improve your health (all things we could really use right now).

Here are some of the reasons why masturbation can help you cope in a way that watching Netflix or opening a bottle of wine can’t.

1. Improve your health

Masturbation helps prevent cervical infections and relieve urinary tract infections by stretching the cervix, which helps flush out bacteria-filled cervical fluid. Masturbation is also associated with better cardiovascular health and a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Finally, the contractions of masturbation strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which improve bladder control and overall sexual and reproductive functioning. All good reasons to upgrade your workout routine.

2. Relieve stress

Pleasure releases mood-boosting chemicals like oxytocin, dopamine, and endorphins, even without orgasm. These relaxing hormones can soothe your anxious mind, even in times like these. They can also relieve tension in the body and even help cure headaches and migraines. Plus, the extra blood flow to your pelvis can help ease menstrual cramps. A natural relaxation pill? Yes, please!

3. Sleep better

Having trouble sleeping? Masturbation is a natural sleep aid that can help prevent insomnia through hormone release and tension. Once you reach orgasm, the hormone prolactin is released, leading to a refractory period and increased sleepiness. Plus, the feel-good hormone oxytocin surges through your system, reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol to help you fall asleep.

4. Practice mindfulness

Not only does masturbation improve your overall mood, it also promotes mindfulness of your body. Pleasure helps you gain insight into your body and its reactions, allowing you to better tune into and care for your physical, sexual, and other needs. Mindfulness can help ease anxiety and ground you in the present. It can be difficult to keep track of how and what your body is responding to when your normal routine is disrupted, especially if you’re paranoid about getting sick. For many people, much of the personal time that was once part of your daily routine is unavailable, which means it’s especially important to intentionally create space to recharge and connect with your body (both literally and figuratively).

5. Take charge of your sex life

Let’s be honest, a lot of us are horny right now. And while some of us have partners to ease the sexual tension, others don’t. And even if you’re quarantining with a partner, you still need to make time for your own pleasure. We’re all reacting differently to quarantine, and that includes our sex drives. So if your partner isn’t in the mood, you can (and should) still mind your own business. Masturbation allows you to control your sexual pleasure — and for some of us, it may be one of the few things we do have control over right now. We can take care of ourselves by exploring new porn movies, reading a good book sex toy test, choose a new one vibratoror simply enjoy a long, soothing shower, to name just a few ideas. Even if you can’t have sex with another person right now, you can still take comfort in knowing that you can continue to experience sexual pleasure.