When people think about self-care, they often picture a long bath, a walk in nature or an evening spent reading a good book. While those things can certainly help us unwind, self-care is really about making time to look after your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. One form of self-care that can tick all these boxes but often gets overlooked is masturbation.
Despite outdated stigma, self-pleasure is a perfectly normal part of many people’s lives and can be a positive way to reconnect with your body, reduce stress and prioritise your own wellbeing when done in a connected, positive way. This International Self-Care Day, it’s worth recognising that taking time for your own pleasure can be just as valid as any other act of self-care.
Between work, family commitments and everyday responsibilities, it’s easy to spend all your energy looking after everyone else, so setting aside time that’s entirely for you can help restore a sense of balance. Masturbation isn’t something that should be rushed and taking your time allows you to relax, focus on your body and enjoy the present moment without pressure or expectation.
Many people find that self-pleasure helps them switch off after a busy day. Like other relaxing activities, it provides an opportunity to pause, breathe and let go of everyday stress. Combined with a comfortable environment, soft lighting or calming music, it can become part of a wider routine that helps you recharge both physically and mentally.
Getting to know your own body is an important part of developing confidence. Exploring what feels good allows you to better understand your preferences and become more comfortable with your own sexuality. And this confidence can often carry into partnered intimacy too, making it easier to communicate what you enjoy.
If you’d like to explore further, introducing a body-safe sex toy or a quality water-based lubricant can add variety and new sensations to your self-care routine. A discreet bullet vibrator, wand massager or male masturbator can help you discover different types of stimulation while encouraging you to continue exploring at your own pace. There is no right way to enjoy your body so trust your instincts and let curiosity guide you.
Not everyone practises self-care in the same way, and that’s completely normal. For some people, it’s yoga or meditation. For others, it’s cooking a favourite meal, going for a run or spending time outdoors. Self-pleasure can simply be another healthy way to reconnect with yourself and prioritise your wellbeing, in whichever form that may take.
This International Self-Care Day, consider giving yourself permission to slow down and focus on what makes you feel good. Whether that’s reading a book, taking a nap or exploring solo pleasure, self-care is about making time for yourself without guilt. Electric Love offers a carefully selected range of body-safe toys, lubricants and intimate accessories to help you enjoy self-care that feels personal, positive and entirely your own.
Published on: 24/07/2026
Written by: Mel
