Effects of Masturbation on the Brain - 5 reasons you should be doing it more

Masturbation is a fast track to happiness, releasing mood boosters such as dopamine to oxytocin, a hormone that improves social bonding. Johanna Rief, Head of Sexual Empowerment for Womanizer explains the effects of masturbation on the brain…

Masturbation has many health benefits for both mind and body. Dopamine, endorphins and oxytocin are all “happy hormones” associated with stress reduction and relaxation, meaning masturbating can help us feel a little better when our mood is low. While masturbation alone isn’t an effective treatment for any mental health condition, it can be an effective way to relieve some symptoms.

Increased focus and concentration

Many people find that masturbating helps them to concentrate better. This could be owed to the release of dopamine, a feel-good hormone that promotes feelings of happiness and motivation. When we masturbate or achieve an orgasm, a surge of dopamine is released that can boost mental clarity, focus, concentration and optimism. Giving ourselves a helping hand is an excellent way to restore our inner balance when we feel a little distracted or frustrated.

Reduced stress and anxiety

Masturbation is incredibly beneficial for our mental wellbeing, including helping with stress relief. Our stress levels, and the levels of the hormones associated with stress, such as adrenaline and cortisol, are reduced, which has positive benefits for our overall physical health, as well as our emotional well-being. Masturbating can also take our mind away from current worries. Orgasms allow us to let go of any tension we have and using physical pleasure to aid this should be embraced.

Boosts mood and self-esteem

Whether or not the act ends in orgasm, masturbating makes us feel good, and not just while we actually do it. Sexual intimacy causes our bodies to secrete hormones such as oxytocin, which enhance feelings of well-being, optimism and happiness – something that is more important now than ever. Along with taking good care of ourselves in terms of diet, exercise, maintaining friendships, and so on, masturbation is a great addition to any self-care routine, owed to its proven beneficial results for our mental and emotional health. Masturbating is also a great way of practicing self-love, so that we can understand and love our bodies even more.

Pain relief

The hormones released during orgasm are so powerful, they can even relieve pain. Oxytocin is released during both masturbation and sex, which not only helps fuel our orgasms, but is also a great pain reliever for ailments such as headaches, migraines and alleviating the pain of menstrual cramps.

There are recent studies that causally document the benefits of masturbation for period pain , however, Womanizer, along with period company Lunette, are currently conducting the first clinical study fully dedicated to this goal, called the Menstrubation Initiative. Worldwide, 1,000 menstruating people are participating in a three-month survey to prove that orgasms are one of the best ways to help ease period pain. The results will be anonymously published at the beginning of next year.

Better sleep

Sexual intimacy is a great way to unwind and foster better sleeping patterns. The endorphins released during climax reduce stress, increase relaxation and improve sleep. Furthermore, “feel-good hormones” prevent depression, lower blood pressure and contribute to forming a relaxed state which result in a better night’s sleep.

Using a toy, or trying a different toy, is a great way to improve your masturbation session. Unlike traditional vibrators, the Womanizer Premium uses air waves to gently stimulate the clitoris without directly touching it, using the patented Pleasure Air Technology. It has an ‘Autopilot’ mode, which creates different patterns and intensities of stimulations each time it is used, and ‘Smart Silence’ technology which means it will only switch on upon contact with your skin. Different playthings create different feelings which can break up your standard masturbating technique, introduce a new way of orgasming, and boost positive effects on the brain.

Main image: Sex and the City

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