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Why masturbation can do more for you than you know.
The American Psychological Association defines trauma as an emotional response to an adverse event. This can be anything from an accident or physical or sexual assault to something less obvious like bullying and isolation or neglect of emotional or physical wellbeing by a caregiver during childhood.
'But that's no big deal' and other invalidating statements
Can we all agree to stop assuming we know what someone else is going through? There are just simply too many factors that play into people's emotional landscapes for this to be true.
In case you've missed the memo, you should know that what might be nothing but a minor hindrance to one, could be a life-altering hardship to another. This is not to say that the latter are weak or worse, making excuses. That would be a little more than a little insensitive, and not to mention, misinformed, wouldn't it?
So, when someone opens up to you about a traumatic experience, you'd be changing the world a little by just listening and being kind. More importantly, if you've been through some form of trauma yourself, remember to afford yourself that same openness, kindness, and gentleness.
We're pretty sure you deserve it.
Trauma doesn’t play around
Trauma, when left unresolved, can negatively impact a person’s emotional, psychological, and even physical health. When a person is unable to come to terms with adverse life events, they are often left with intense symptoms and responses that cause them to remember and relive feelings from the past without realizing they are doing so.
Thus, unresolved trauma can cause the chronic activation of one’s stress response, that is, their fight or flight response switch is always ‘on’. And yes, this is every bit as exhausting as it sounds. Further, many survivors feel unworthy of love and unsafe in their skin. It goes without saying that these feelings aren’t exactly the best natural lubricant and can leave people feeling disconnected from their sexuality.
Ironically, masturbation doesn’t play around either
Embracing your sexuality can help bring a sense of safety and empowerment. Masturbation is healthy- we’ve been shouting about it from the rooftops for a while now. But it’s also so much more than that.
Routinely indulging in some self-love can help you reconnect with yourself, establish a sense of safety within your body, and build confidence – all of which can be instrumental in managing the chronic stress associated with trauma.
But how does that even work?
Trauma can leave you locked in stress mode indefinitely, but the key to healing is not eliminating stress entirely. As doctors Amelia and Emily Nagoski state in their book, Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle- “The goal isn’t to live in a state of perpetual balance and peace and calm; the goal is to move through stress to calm, so that you’re ready for the next stressor, and to move from effort tot rest and back again”.
Physical activity, affection, and deep breathing are all proven means of moving through stress and towards a state of calm. You know that means it’s self-sex o’clock somewhere!
Alright, I’m ready to glide into good times
That’s great! We’d go so far as to say you should pencil it into your schedule. Take time out for yourself and make masturbation a part of your self-care routine– invest in a good personal lubricant and maybe even a toy or two if you’re feeling adventurous.
If you’re on the lookout for the best natural lubricant for you, try Glide– it’s water-based, chemical-free, and pH balanced for your intimate health and comfort.
Also read - Here's Everything You Need To Know About Male Menopause
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