#MasturbationMay: 21 Days of Journey to Self-Love

As we enter May, let us take a moment to celebrate a very special occasion that's close to our hearts and, well, our (private) parts too. That's right, it’s time for Masturbation May! This month-long celebration of self-love and sexual wellness has been around for over two decades and has become a significant event for destigmatizing masturbation and promoting healthy attitudes towards sexuality. 

Masturbation May was first conceived in 1995 by a sex-positive organization called Good Vibrations, based in San Francisco. The idea behind it was to promote the benefits of self-pleasure and to challenge the cultural taboo and shame that often surrounds it. The organizers wanted to create a fun and positive way to encourage people to explore their own bodies, learn about their sexuality, and take control of their own pleasure. They chose May as the month for this celebration because it coincides with International Masturbation Day, which falls on May 28th every year. This day was first observed in 1995 in honor of sex-positive activist and surgeon Jocelyn Elders, who was fired from her position as the US Surgeon General in 1994 after suggesting that masturbation should be included in sex education programs. Since then, Masturbation May has grown in popularity and has become a global movement, with sex educators, bloggers, and advocates all over the world promoting the benefits of self-love and pleasure.

So why is Masturbation May so significant? For starters, it's an opportunity to ditch the shame and guilt associated with self-pleasure and embrace the many benefits that come with exploring your own body. From reducing stress and anxiety to improving sleep and boosting self-esteem, masturbation is a powerful tool for enhancing our physical and mental well-being. Pleasure brand Womanizer is one of the brands that have been onboard in dedicating themselves to destigmatizing masturbation, promoting a healthy and positive attitude towards sexual expression, and diving deeper into a new way of exploring and viewing ourselves.

Exploring and prioritizing your own individual needs in a way that feels comfortable and authentic for you, is an important part of maintaining a healthy and positive attitude towards yourself, sexual expression, and self-love. A combination of things in our day-to-day lives including work, lack of time, and stress can often lead to us deprioritizing or automating the act of Masturbation which has a lot of health benefits in addition to being a source of pleasure. 

Journey Into Self-Love Guide

To aid in the exploration of self, Womanizer has developed a "Journey into Self-Love" guide for vulva owners looking to feel more confident and empowered in their sexual experiences while also supporting and bettering their emotional and mental well-being.  It is said to take 21 days to form a habit, or, just 21 days to completely alter the relationship we have with ourselves.  

User Research Manager at Womanizer, Elisabeth Neumann, encourages everyone to use this Journey into Self-Love guide as an opportunity to develop a better sense of what works for them, not what they think should work.

"A good starting point is to ask yourself, of the self-love practices I've tried, which ones did I like best? Which ones would I like to incorporate into my regular routine? What did I learn about my body and sexuality? These answers can be recorded in a journal or somewhere safe to help process your experiences and track your progress over time.”

Check out the guide below with 21 suggestions to try each day or combine as you wish:

1.  Schedule time for self-care and pleasure in your calendar.

2.  Create a comfortable and safe space for yourself to explore.

3.  Experiment with different types of touch and stimulation.

4.  Use lubricant to enhance your pleasure and comfort.

5.  Explore your erogenous zones and discover what feels good.

6.  Try using toys like Premium 2 to stimulate your nipples.  

7.  Practice positive affirmations to promote self-love and confidence.

8.  Write down your fantasies or desires to better understand your sexual preferences.

9.  Read erotic literature or watch ethical pornography for inspiration.

10.   Explore different types of orgasm, like clitoral or G-spot with the new OG.

11.   Experiment with different masturbation techniques, like edging or breath work.

12.   Take a nude. Feel sexy in your skin. 

13.   Practice mindfulness or meditation to connect with your body and breath.

14.   Explore blended orgasms with Duo 2.

15.   Focus on pleasure without the expectation of orgasm.

16.   Take a bath or shower to relax and prepare for self-exploration.

17.   Listen to music or sounds that enhance your mood and relaxation.

18.   Use scent, like candles or essential oils, to create a relaxing atmosphere.

19.   Buy yourself flowers. 

20.   Practice self-compassion and forgiveness for any negative feelings or thoughts that may arise.

21.   Celebrate and honor your body and pleasure, without shame or guilt. 

So, on that note let's raise a glass (or a hand) to Masturbation May and all the joy it brings!