Masturbation as a Stress Reliever - (I)

Stress is how our body copes with the demands of our lives. Stress is a common feeling, but not always a pleasant one so everyone is looking for ways to relieve stress in any way they can. Some people mediate, some exercise, some listen to music. There are many different techniques cope with stress, and one method to try is masturbation.

Masturbation is the act of touching one’s own body for sexual pleasure, which aids in physical and emotional relaxation, hence why it can be a good stress reliever. There are health benefits from masturbation and while I can’t confirm if a doctor would prescribe this, there are proven physiological benefits from masturbation that a doctor can’t deny. 

Firstly, your body responses to self-stimulation with the release of endorphins, which are chemicals that, when they interact with receptors in the brain, trigger a happy or positive feeling in your body. 

Endorphins, sometimes referred to as “feel good” hormones are released in times of stress and pain, and act as sedatives and analgesics to reduce one’s feeling of pain. They also act as a mood booster, and are released during activities such as exercise, meditation, childbirth, eating chillies, and sex (which includes solo sex). If a person masturbates while on their period (if you are person that menstruates), the endorphin release can improve not only your mood, but also relieve the pain from cramping. 

Masturbation also causes the release of dopamine, a chemical released by the brain that contributes to feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. Just like endorphins, dopamine makes you feel good and can improve your overall mood. When touching yourself, your body will send the message to your brain, leading to a positive impact on your mood and attention span, as well as heart rate, movement and sleep. 

Now, if you orgasm while masturbating, you can get the benefits from the release of oxytocin. While oxytocin is mainly important during childbirth and lactation, it also know it known for being the “love” hormone. Now this reputation has been built as oxytocin has been found to play a role in behaviours such trust, sexual arousal and mother-infant bonding and gives an overall sense of wellbeing. 

One of the biggest benefits of the release of oxytocin is that it can reduce blood pressure and cortisol, which is the main hormone released when the body is stressed. Lowering cortisol levels can help relieve the emotional and physical feeling of stress in the mind and body. An added bonus is that when you orgasm, hormones like oxytocin and prolactin are released which can induce a feeling of sleepiness. These hormones can help you have a deeper and more peaceful sleep. Being well rested can help improve one’s mood and mindset as they combat the next day’s stress.

Tune in tomorrow to read more about the effects of masturbation on your mind!

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