[This newsletter will always be free to read, but it’s also how I supplement bills and such - which allows me the flexibility to bring you the best possible sex education every week. So, if you like what you read, please consider a paid subscription.]
Hey babe,
Let’s talk about orgasms and anxiety. Because they can really be super beneficial if you’re an anxious girlie.
As if you needed another reason to masturbate, try this one on for size: Masturbation can actually help you manage your anxiety. Much like meditation and exercise, masturbation connects you with your body and the pleasure centers of the brain. It helps release much-needed stress-reducing chemicals that allow the body to naturally calm down.
Many medical professionals, coaches, and sex therapists recommend using sexual activity (whether with a partner or solo) as a way to reduce stress.
If you’re looking for a way to naturally calm your anxious mind, self-love might be just the thing you need. Even if you’re not feeling particularly in the mood, see if it helps. Sometimes our desire just needs a little hands on attention. Pun intended.
Masturbation is a beautiful, natural expression of human desire ... embrace it and enjoy yourself.
Orgasm releases feel good chemicals
Orgasm creates a magnificent cocktail of pleasurable hormones. It’s like nature’s Ativan. Anxiety is naturally relieved when the brain is flooded in oxytocin and dopamine. It helps to bring down your stress levels and give you a sense of peace.
Orgasm is legitimately good for your health. It makes your skin look better, it improves mood, and it brings down levels of anxiety. Masturbation is amazing and everyone should be doing it. If you’re having anxiety, grab your vibrator! Get that oxytocin flow, girl.
Orgasm is like a mini workout … for your vulva/peen and nervous system
It’s no secret that working out is not just great for you butt. It can do wonders for your mental health. You know when you finish up a particularly horrid weight class and suddenly are overcome with a feeling of euphoria and accomplishment? While working out and masturbation are not a replacement in many cases for taking doctor recommended prescription drugs, they can offer you a way to control and manage your anxiety on a day-to-day basis.
When you have an orgasm (or get through a sweaty spin class), your body works out pent up stress. Once it is finished putting itself through strenuous effort, you feel good after.
The same thing happens with masturbation. Through your deep breathing, build up in pleasure, and eventual release, you’re giving your body the same rush of dopamine (the reward hormone) that you need to calm down naturally.
When you’re tightly wound, sometimes you need a quick release
Sometimes the most intense anxiety and panic attacks are due to a buildup of seemingly innocuous things in your life. All of the minor annoyances, inconveniences and last minute deadlines really add up.
Suddenly you feel like you’re drowning and your heart will jump right out of your chest. Masturbate. Seriously. Your body is tightly wound and your brain is so full of chatter that you can’t focus on anything else. If you want to chill the heck out, have a quick orgasm. It might sound like a waste of time when there is so much to do, but trust us, it is just what you need.
It will get your head back on right. Plus, it only takes around 20 minutes. No harm, no foul.
Stress produces cortisol, releasing stress decreases cortisol
More about hormones, served up piping hot. When you’re particularly stressed out or overwhelmed, your body releases the stress hormone cortisol. This little devil is responsible for stress, a slower metabolism, feelings of mental dysphoria and so much more.
It is not good for you! Well, magically, orgasm reduces cortisol levels substantially. Have an orgasm and literally decrease the amount of toxic energy that is polluting your body.
Self-love gives you a sense of peace and contentment
This one is definitely the “earthy” of the bunch, there is something about getting in touch with your body that is extremely therapeutic. When you masturbate and take time to love yourself and touch yourself, you’re reminded what a vibrant and sexy creature you are.
Anxiety has the ability to overtake our rational minds, making us feel like we’re on the edge of a cliff. Masturbation is a reminder that you are in your body and you are in control. Open yourself up the self-healing power of self-love.
This week’s mantras:
Pleasure is power.
My orgasms are magic.
I will love myself.
I love you. Have a great week!
XOXO Auntie Gigi
~Good ReadsSsSssSsSs~
Confirming what I already knew (and you too, probably!) — non-monogamous couples are found to be just as happy as monogamous couples. Here’s for more acceptance for alternative relationship styles! Check out the Guardian’s full report to learn more. Read more. — THE GUARDIAN
I contributed to this piece for GQ on all the best vibrators for men. Read more. — GQ
I recently reread a piece I wrote on relationship and sexuality personality types — and it still holds up! Read more. — MIND BODY GREEN
Weekly LOL
Given everything that happened in the US and the group chat debacle, this felt very fitting for this week.
That’s it for me this week, pals. I love you.