How To Make Masturbation Feel Better & Enhance Pleasure

How do you start loving yourself from an authentic place? Affirmations, mantras, and meditations can help, but in my humble opinion, the best way to feel good about yourself is to make yourself feel good. When you start to view masturbation as a form of self-care, you can enhance your pleasure exponentially. Here's how to make masturbation feel better by getting more intentional with your techniques.

First, get out your calendar and find a 15- to 30-minute window each day when you can be in your preferred place to explore your masturbation practice.

Set up a romantic bedroom environment just for yourself. Think of a sexy experience you had in the past, or a favorite fantasy scene, and re-create it to the best of your ability. What made the physical environment perfect for your pleasure? Candles? Dark or natural daylight? Music or quiet?

Getting in the mood, even for solo play, is sometimes helped with relaxing preparations. Schedule a massage and build in a half hour for yourself after you’re home and relaxed. Take a hot shower with essential oils or a bubble bath with favorite sexy music. A small glass of wine on the first few days is fine, but do try completely sober masturbation to help you get clear and present with yourself.

Use erotica, daydream, watch porn, or play music that puts you in the mood. There’s no right or wrong here, just explore different avenues. Not sure where to start? Here's how to figure out what turns you on.

Does lingerie turn you on? Choose a flattering outfit to wear just for yourself, or choose sensuous fabrics that feel delicious on your skin.

If you're feeling really awesome about your body, try masturbating in a mirror and watch yourself get turned on. Even if you don't go that route, exploring your anatomy with a hand mirror before you begin is a wonderful way to get to know your body.

Explore the difference between manual stimulation and using gadgets. The experiences can be totally disparate, and you may discover something new about your body. If you don't know where to start, try Babeland.

Added lubrication generally makes insertion and sensation more pleasurable, even during solo masturbation. Avoid silicone-based lubricants if you're using a silicone toy, as it can break down the material. If you have a silicone toy, use oil- or water-based lube instead. On the other hand, oil-based lubes like vitamin E oil and Vaseline can break down latex toys, so use a water- or silicone-based lube with those. Always test a small amount of a new lube on your inner labia before you play, to make sure it doesn't irritate your skin.

There is no prize for most orgasms reached. Regardless of climax, you will enjoy the benefits of hormones, self-love, and relaxation.

Tantric sex is a sexual practice that's all about slow, intentional, high-intensity pleasure. Here's our guide to tantric masturbation, yoni massage (a tantric massage for vulvas), and lingam massage (a tantric massage for penises).

Taking time for your own pleasure (without the influence or presence of another person and their desires) is a wonderful way to tune out the noises and listen to what your body likes and wants. Here's to discovering new fantasies, thresholds for pleasure, and enhanced well-being.