Life

How To Turn Yourself On

by Kaitlyn Vagner

This month we celebrate National Masturbation Month. While society has traditionally stigmatized female masturbation, it's incredibly valuable and is an important form of self-love. And, masturbation has a plethora of psychological and physical health benefits. As Dr. Lauren Streicher, an Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Northwestern University and author of Sex Rx: Hormones Health And Your Best Sex Ever, tells Bustle, masturbation can do wonders for your well-being: It can help you sleep, ease body aches, relieve stress, and orgasms release the endorphins oxytocin and dopamine, which helps induce a natural high. Emotionally, Masturbation puts you in a mental space that is conducive to the optimal flowing of your sexual energy. Staying in touch with your sexual energy can benefit you as you engage in sexual play.

I view masturbation as the time of my day when I can tune out the rest of the world and become physically and emotionally in touch with my emotions and energy. It's a form of physical meditation, and I take the time to ensure that I am in a space that will foster my most pleasurable and mindful experience.

My masturbation time is when I allow myself to truly let go, and I always end it feeling emotionally, spiritually, and physically renewed.

I have my own routine for getting myself in the mood for my special me time —I light my favorite apple cinnamon candle, I dim my lights, I silence my phone, I switch on my playlist, and I cuddle up with my wand vibrator and my blanket. I close my eyes, tease my body, and allow myself to think back, without any inhibition or shame, on my hottest sexual encounters. I think of the sizzling hot sex I had the week before, or my fantasy sexual experience. My masturbation time is when I allow myself to truly let go, and I always end it feeling emotionally, spiritually, and physically renewed.

In the spirit of National Masturbation Month, here are some ways that you can turn yourself on before you masturbate, because the importance of getting intimate with yourself is so important.

1

Take A Bubble Bath

Immersing yourself in soothing, silky bubbles or your favorite scent is an act of self-love. Use this time to warm yourself up by lathering yourself and becoming more familiar with all of the intricacies of your body.

2

Read Feminist Erotica

Because stimulating your body starts with stimulating your mind.

3

Watch A Movie With Your Celeb Crush

Visually stimulate yourself by watching your celebrity crush.

4

Wear Whatever Makes You Feel Sexy

For me, getting in the mood starts with feeling beautiful, sexy, and comfortable in my own skin. To me, there is something so wonderful, so personal, about getting dolled up for my eyes and pleasure only. Wear whatever makes you feel sexiest, whether it's an oversized t-shirt or lacy lingerie.

5

Start A Sexy Conversation

Stimulating your thoughts is integral to getting physically and mentally aroused. You can get your sexual energy flowing by starting a sexting conversation with a partner — or even by looking back at old texts froma sexy convo.

6

Play Your Sexiest Music

A playlist full of slow, sultry tunes can be exactly what you need to get yourself in the mood.

7

Close Your Eyes And Feel Present In The Moment

In order to fully experience your physical pleasure, you must be fully present in the moment. Close your eyes and commit yourself to this moment of self-indulgence and love.

8

Think Of Your Hottest Sexual Experience

We all have a sexual experience that still fills our body with electricity whenever it reaches our mind. Close your eyes and allow yourself to return back to those incredible moments of passion and ecstasy.

9

Construct Your Own Fantasy

Your own fantasy is unique and personal to you. Create your own sexual scenario, no matter how wild it may be, and grant your mind the freedom to engage with it.

10

Look At Sexy Tumblr GIFs

Check out Tumblr for your favorite sexy fantasies, and send yourself over the edge.

11

Bring Out Your Favorite Toys

This time is all for you, so bring out your amazing toys.

Your "me" time is priceless, and you should take the time to fully enjoy and feel yourself. You deserve it.