by Danielle Wright & Harley Miller
For many of us, masturbation is an art—a practice that allows us to show appreciation for our body, the naked canvas.
Masturbation was once used as a practice to help boost a man’s fertility and protect men from sexually transmitted diseases. Today, masturbation is more than that; it’s a liberating form of self-pleasure but not without its pros and cons. When we masturbate, we are in the moment and strive to reach a point of pleasure. This need for achievement can lead us to use toys, our hands, or even just our imagination. But lo and behold, there is a downside to masturbating too much, as with anything else. Masturbation should be done in moderation.
Making the decision to masturbate when you are alone or with your partner can boost your libido, making you crave the person you’re in a relationship with, especially if that person has the ability to bring you to climax each time you engage in the act. On the contrary, however, masturbating excessively can lead to fatigue, irritability, and anxiety in some cases. So, what are the benefits of not masturbating?
MORE ENERGY
Ever wonder why you feel tired after masturbating? Science says that once we climax, painkilling chemicals called endorphins are released into the bloodstream, causing intense pleasure and relaxation. It’s not uncommon to find that many obese men and women masturbate frequently due to low energy.
Instead of masturbating to relax, consider a healthier substitute. You can go for a light jog or head to your nearest gym. This can also help improve your relationship—if you are in one. Falling asleep quickly after sex can lead your partner to feel unwanted or unloved, so be sure to maintain a healthy balance of sex and exercise, especially as a man.
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REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
For the average person, watching porn is normal when masturbating. Not only does it provide a sense of escapism, but it also helps us get in the mood. The mental stimulation aids us in reaching a climax. However, while there is good, there is also bad. Overconsumption of porn can lead to unrealistic expectations on both ourselves and our partners. Before you know it, you’re asking your partner to perform certain acts or assume certain positions they are physically incapable of doing.
Furthermore, we often expect the men or women we see in pornographic material to resemble the people we engage with sexually. Taking time away from porn and masturbation allows you the chance to step out into the real world and appreciate the person in front of you—the person you can physically touch. Our imaginations can run wild, leading us to make the people in our lives feel inferior to the ideas we create. To avoid this, step away from the computer, television, or your phone, and take a moment to appreciate the person standing in front of you.
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FINANCIAL GAIN
Websites like OnlyFans, as of May 2023, have 220 million registered consumers with only 3 million creators and are now worth more than $3 billion according to Bloomberg. Sixty percent of the users are males, which means they are paying for the content they consume. If that money, whether it’s $20 a month or $15, could go towards a hobby or genuine interest, then more people would find it easier to meet others organically.
Let’s say you take the money you spend on OnlyFans and decide to go to a show or a solo trip; the odds of meeting another like-minded male or female are extremely high. Six months of saving $20 a month could buy you a one-way flight to certain places or countries with just a personal bag. This doesn’t sound that exciting in theory, but the reality is, it’s 100% doable and far better than withering away on a mattress, exceedingly rubbing yourself, or stroking your private area.
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BETTER SOCIAL SKILLS
Do you find yourself tucked away in your room for days, maybe hours on end? Well, you could be losing your social skills. During the pandemic, many of us stayed home for days, even months, especially if you were one of the few who happened to contract COVID. During this time, many of us began finding it difficult to socialize and behaved awkwardly when we did go out.
These difficulties can lead to feelings of isolation and frustration, and avoidance of social situations. Because we began finding it harder to connect with others, masturbation became a go-to practice. We’ve all seen and heard women say that most men no longer approach them in public to ask for their number or ask them on a date; well, there is a correlation. If we do our best to get back to spending time with friends and family, having discussions, healthy debates with the people who know us well, or even people we’re meeting in third spaces, it can help to decrease our sexual urges and the need to masturbate.
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CLOSER RELATIONSHIP TO GOD
Sure, not everyone is religious, but making the decision to no longer masturbate can help to strengthen your relationship with God. Nowhere in the Bible does it specifically state that masturbation is a sin; however, the thoughts that accompany it are.
According to 1 John 2:16, “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” We are encouraged to mind our thoughts, and taking in pornographic material to reach a climax is, in fact, sinful. Additionally, Matthew 5:28 tells us, “But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”
When you want to grow closer to God, you need to exercise discipline. This is why men who are seeking wives should first seek God and follow His teachings. This is where leadership is taught, kindness, graciousness, and empathy. Not only that, but as your relationship with God grows, you become stronger and intentional with your decision-making abilities. Discernment will follow, helping you to navigate to different places where you’re bound to meet a wonderful partner who aligns with your beliefs.