Female self-pleasure: How it can help our mindfulness

By Charlotte Buckle

Listen, ladies – we need to discuss female self-pleasure and its link to mindfulness a hell of a lot more. Think about it: how often do you hear men freely chat about masturbation and how it relieves their stress after a bad day? Well, that goes for us too. But why is discussing our self-pleasure still absent from society? If self-pleasure has multitudes of mindfulness benefits, it’s something we should be singing to our sisters (and misters) about.

In a new survey conducted by sex toy brand Womanizer, nearly one in three British women said they do not masturbate. This is astonishing considering the health benefits masturbation promises. From stress relief and better sleep to eased PMS symptoms, it seems we need to chat more about how masturbation positively impacts our bodies.

‘If women talk about masturbation openly, like the healthy and normal thing that it is, then more women will do it,’ she says. ‘If more women do it, then they will know their own bodies, own their sexuality and, ultimately, be more empowered all around… empowered to ask for what they want, to say no, and to take care of themselves.’

2) It helps you have a better night’s sleep

After an orgasm, your body releases a mix of neurochemicals that can help prepare you for sleep. The hormone oxytocin calms your mind while dopamine and serotonin leave you feeling, oh so content – a match made in heaven for previously-sleepless nights.

4) It can help increase your libido

‘Masturbation can help keep your sexual pilot light on,’ says Megan Fleming, a sex and relationship therapist. ‘If you can get into a good routine of bringing yourself to orgasm, you won’t struggle getting warmed up when it is time to have fun with a partner. If you have a lower libido, solo sessions can help you know what turns you on.’