Masturbation can help you learn what you like and enjoy sexually, and, well, it just feels good! But did you know that masturbation can also be good for your mental health?
Aside from making you feel ahhhmazing, masturbation is an excellent tool for de-stressing. While masturbation alone is not an effective treatment for mental illness, it can help alleviate some symptoms, such as those that result from burnout.
(If you don't already masturbate regularly, you may want to add it to your routine.)
Not convinced yet? Don't stress!
We've got everything you need to know to keep burnout at bay with a little self-love.
What is a burnout?
Psychologist Herbert Freudenberger coined the term "burnout" in the 1970s to define an intense state of stress that results in extreme physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion. Burnout, which is more severe than fatigue, makes it difficult for people to cope with stress and perform daily tasks.
People with burnout often feel like they have nothing more to contribute and may be afraid to get out of bed every morning.
Burnout does not simply go away on its own; if left untreated, it can lead to other serious mental and physical illnesses.
Symptoms of burnout
Exhaustion
Feeling physically and emotionally exhausted. Headaches, stomachaches, and changes in eating or sleeping patterns are all possible physical symptoms.
Insulation
People with burnout often feel overwhelmed. As a result, they may withdraw from social contacts and confide in friends, family and colleagues.
Escape from fantasies
People experiencing burnout may fantasize about running away or taking a lonely trip because they are dissatisfied with the never-ending responsibilities of their job.
Irritability
Burnout can make it easier to lose your cool with friends, coworkers, and family members. Dealing with everyday tasks like preparing for a work meeting, getting kids to school, and handling household responsibilities can often feel overwhelming, especially when things don’t go as planned.
Recurrent diseases
Burnout, like other forms of long-term stress, can weaken your immune system, making you more vulnerable to colds, flu and insomnia.
How Masturbation Can Prevent Burnout
We all know masturbation feels great. But honestly, sexual pleasure is a necessary aspect of self-care . Giving yourself pleasure should be as important as eating breakfast and combing your hair. Why?
Well, because it's actually good for you! When we have an orgasm, our brains release a host of feel-good hormones and other chemicals that promote relaxation and well-being.
The brain... this is where all the action is!
Masturbation involves more than just the area between your legs. So, when you turn on your Rabbit vibrator , this is what’s happening between your ears:
Hormone and chemical release
Sexual pleasure or orgasm causes the release of hormones and chemicals in the brain's pleasure-reward system.
Under which:
Dopamine:
Dopamine, also known as the “happiness hormone,” is a neurotransmitter involved in motivation, movement, and reward seeking.
Oxytocin:
This hormone promotes feelings of love, positive social interaction, development and healing.
Serotonin:
An important neurotransmitter, serotonin, is responsible for promoting feelings of well-being and happiness. There is also a link between increased serotonin levels and improved mood.
Endorphin:
These are "feel-good" chemicals that relieve pain more effectively than morphine. They are responsible for the pleasant rush or high that comes with exercise.
Prolactin:
Prolactin is a hormone that stimulates physiological responses such as reproduction, stress management, and emotional modulation.
Endocannabinoids:
These neurotransmitters are important for rewarding activities, such as exercise, social engagement, and eating. They also help regulate pain, inflammation, metabolism, cardiovascular function, learning and memory, anxiety, depression, and addiction.
Noradrenaline or norepinephrine:
This stimulating neurotransmitter promotes and controls the transmission of dopamine, which is associated with happiness levels.
Adrenaline:
Adrenaline reduces stress by regulating heart rate, blood vessel and airway diameters, and aspects of metabolism.
Wash away stress with waves of joy
The release of hormones can provide the following health benefits:
Less stress and anxiety
The release of oxytocin appears to reduce stress hormones such as cortisol while encouraging relaxation. Prolactin also helps regulate stress responses.
All that lovely oxytocin also contributes to our overall well-being. In addition to being an excellent pain reliever, research suggests that this lovely little hormone also helps reduce anxiety. (That’s something we could all use right now!)
FYI... you don't even have to have an orgasm to experience these benefits. Your brain naturally releases the chemical serotonin during foreplay and sexual arousal, which helps to increase sexual satisfaction and regulate mood. Self-love offers the perfect combination of brain-balancing benefits.
Sleep better
We all know the benefits of getting the right amount of quality sleep.
Masturbation causes the release of neurotransmitters and hormones that help lower tension and blood pressure, while also promoting relaxation, which can make falling asleep easier.
A 2019 study of 778 people found that people are more likely to sleep better after having an orgasm. Many respondents reported that masturbating helped them fall asleep faster and sleep better.
Pain relief
Endorphins are painkillers produced by the body. Endocannabinoids are also known to help regulate pain and inflammation. These natural painkillers can also help relieve menstrual cramps.
According to a 2013 study, sexual activity may even provide partial or total relief from migraines and certain cluster headaches.
Boost immune system
Masturbation increases prolactin and endocannabinoids, which help regulate the immune system. It also increases stress-relieving chemicals and neurotransmitters.
Masturbation can increase hormone levels associated with good mood, such as dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins.
Increase your self-respect
Masturbation can cause an increase in adrenaline levels. According to researchers, higher amounts of saliva and urine adrenaline are associated with greater personal growth and/or feeling better about yourself. Learning to please yourself can also be incredibly powerful in improving your body image.
Neuroprotection
Prolactin has a neuroprotective effect, reducing brain damage in response to stress. Dopamine also appears to contribute to healthy cognition. According to a 2016 study, sexual activity increased recall and number order in older men and in older women aged 50-89.
Lowered blood pressure
Stress can increase blood pressure. Oxytocin and endocannabinoids can also help lower blood pressure.
Self-love and good vibes are the key to a healthier you
Constant stress can lead to burnout. In addition to traditional therapeutic strategies (including eating a balanced diet, exercising frequently, and getting a good night’s sleep), masturbation is a fantastic tool that can prevent this stressful state.
Prevent burnout by scheduling more self-care activities and taking more time for yourself. Whether you're working long hours, taking care of little ones or have exams... be kind to your mind, body, soul and 😻!
Make time to listen to your body and give yourself the gift of self-love and divine pleasure. Read our blogs for all the tips on masturbation, toys and everything that goes with it, or visit one of our stores !
