#ProjectHappy: Masturbate To Relieve Stress, Ease Insomnia And Relieve Cramps

Has anyone else read Caitlin Moran‘s How To Be A Woman? In it, she talks about when her teenage self discovered masturbation – finally, something that was free, she didn’t have to leave the house to do, and that wasn’t making her fat.

In our recent sex survey, we at STELLAR HQ were shocked by the revelation that a whopping 30 percent of you claim to never masturbate. That’s never – not to relax of a lonely Tuesday evening, not in the bath on a Sunday, not after a particularly frustrating steamy date.

Seriously, NEVER?! That just seems crazy to us; like Caitlin, we see nothing wrong with a little free, non-fattening, weather-non-dependent self-entertaining, and in fact, we’re dead right – here are a few reasons you should take some time out of that busy schedule to get down with your bad self.

It relieves stress

Yep, you read that one right – flicking the bean releases dopamine, a chemical in the brain that gives us a sense of pleasure, along with endorphins, which give us a sense of wellbeing. So, after an orgasm – no matter who gave it to you – you feel happier and more relaxed. We call that a win-win.

It eases insomnia

Forget that lavender-on-the-pillow lark (although, don’t really, cos it’s lovely and does work too) – masturbating before bed has a proven track record at sending you off to the land of nod in no time. We, er, tested it. Okay, there’s science to back it up too – orgasming reduces blood pressure and increases relaxation, which means you’ll be in the best possible, eh, position to catch some zeds.

It clues you in to what your body wants

How many times have you been with a partner who’s asked, “what would you like me to do?” (If none, we suggest finding another partner…) What do you say?

If you never masturbate, chances are you’re not quite sure what you’re into.

Is it vaginal penetration? Is it soft clitoral stroking? Into anal play? If you don’t take the time to figure out what you’re into down there, why the hell should the person you’re with?

It can ease menstrual cramps

Here’s a tricky one; during your period, there’s a strong chance you’re feeling friskier than ever – but masturbating seems a bit, well, icky, right? Wrong – if you’re using tampons or, y’know, a mooncup, there’s no reason not to get handsy while Aunt Flo’s in town.

For a lot of people, the contractions that come with an orgasm can significantly reduce menstrual cramps. But, be warned: for others it may have the opposite effect. Better try it and find out, right?

The conclusion? Like a long walk after a bad day at work, you never – ever – regret taking 10 minutes out of your day to give yourself the biggest reward of all.

• Sex
• sexual health