Mindful masturbation is the practice of sexually self-pleasuring while maintaining awareness of your body and feelings. Rather than masturbating on auto-pilot, using [sex toys](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/sex-toy-guide), or watching videos, this practice applies the principles of mindfulness to pleasuring yourself. Practitioners remain present as they explore pleasurable sensations throughout the entire body—from non-sexual body parts to [erogenous zones](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/erogenous-zones-guide)—rather than focusing on achieving [orgasm](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/types-of-orgasms). 
Here are some of the benefits of mindful masturbation: 

1. __A deeper understanding of your body__: Taking time to try new masturbation techniques teaches you what feels best. Knowing your preferences also allows you to communicate your desires to your sexual partners, boosting your self-confidence in the bedroom.
2. __Increased pleasure__: Taking time to get to know the different parts of your body allows you to explore deeper, more lasting feelings of pleasure than you might experience with typical genital masturbation. 
3. __Improved self-care__: Prioritizing your pleasure means taking time for yourself. Practicing regular masturbation is an act of [self-care](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/self-care), boosting your mental health and sense of self-love. 
4. __Reduced stress__: Whether or not you experience an orgasm, engaging in pleasure relieves tension in your body and mind and lowers your stress levels. Lowering your stress levels carries health benefits like better sleep and an improved immune response.
Start with these steps for your first mindful masturbation session. 

1. __Wash your hands__. Always wash your hands before any self-pleasure session to minimize the transfer of outside bacteria to any sensitive areas of your body. 
2. __Remove distractions__. As is the case with any meditation practice, the goal of mindful masturbation is to stay present. Remove any screens you may normally use during masturbation from your space. 
3. __Take your time__. The goal of mindful masturbation is to experience pleasure, not to reach orgasm as fast as possible. Take your time exploring sensitive areas of your body other than your genitals. Use your hands to explore yourself, from your legs to your belly to erogenous zones like your neck or nipples. 
4. __Stay present__. Focus on pleasurable sensations throughout your body as you explore it, mentally noting what feels especially good. If your mind wanders, gently return your focus to the feeling of touching yourself.
5. __Try new things__. If you’re used to sex toys, exploring your own body with your hands may feel novel. Try masturbating in different areas of your home, in front of a mirror, or with your non-dominant hand. Experimenting in this way can help boost your confidence and enlighten you about new things that you like. 
6. __Make it a practice__. Practice mindful masturbation on a regular basis to build your skills and knowledge around your pleasure. Over time you will see its benefits, making the act of staying present easier. 

Craving a little more intimacy? Grab a [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com) and learn more about open <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communication","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communication</a> with your partners, experimenting in the bedroom, and being your own best sexual advocate with a little help from Emily Morse (host of the wildly popular podcast *Sex With Emily*). 
Mindful masturbation is a worthwhile practice that marries the principles of mindfulness with exploring your body, which can improve your sex life with yourself and others. Learn how this practice benefits you and how to do it on your own.

Mindful masturbation is a worthwhile practice that marries the principles of mindfulness with exploring your body, which can improve your sex life with yourself and others. Learn how this practice benefits you and how to do it on your own.

Mindful Masturbation Guide: How to Try Mindful Masturbation 

Mindful masturbation is the practice of sexually self-pleasuring while maintaining awareness of your body and feelings. Rather than masturbating on auto-pilot, using <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/sex-toy-guide' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/sex-toy-guide","linkCopy":"sex toys","category":null}'>sex toys</a>, or watching videos, this practice applies the principles of mindfulness to pleasuring yourself. Practitioners remain present as they explore pleasurable sensations throughout the entire body—from non-sexual body parts to <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/erogenous-zones-guide' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/erogenous-zones-guide","linkCopy":"erogenous zones","category":null}'>erogenous zones</a>—rather than focusing on achieving <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/types-of-orgasms' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/types-of-orgasms","linkCopy":"orgasm","category":null}'>orgasm</a>.

What Is Mindful Masturbation?

Here are some of the benefits of mindful masturbation: <ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. A deeper understanding of your body: Taking time to try new masturbation techniques teaches you what feels best. Knowing your preferences also allows you to communicate your desires to your sexual partners, boosting your self-confidence in the bedroom. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Increased pleasure: Taking time to get to know the different parts of your body allows you to explore deeper, more lasting feelings of pleasure than you might experience with typical genital masturbation. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Improved self-care: Prioritizing your pleasure means taking time for yourself. Practicing regular masturbation is an act of <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/self-care' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/self-care","linkCopy":"self-care","category":null}'>self-care</a>, boosting your mental health and sense of self-love. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Reduced stress: Whether or not you experience an orgasm, engaging in pleasure relieves tension in your body and mind and lowers your stress levels. Lowering your stress levels carries health benefits like better sleep and an improved immune response. </li></ol>

4 Benefits of Mindful Masturbation

Start with these steps for your first mindful masturbation session. <ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Wash your hands. Always wash your hands before any self-pleasure session to minimize the transfer of outside bacteria to any sensitive areas of your body. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Remove distractions. As is the case with any meditation practice, the goal of mindful masturbation is to stay present. Remove any screens you may normally use during masturbation from your space. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Take your time. The goal of mindful masturbation is to experience pleasure, not to reach orgasm as fast as possible. Take your time exploring sensitive areas of your body other than your genitals. Use your hands to explore yourself, from your legs to your belly to erogenous zones like your neck or nipples. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Stay present. Focus on pleasurable sensations throughout your body as you explore it, mentally noting what feels especially good. If your mind wanders, gently return your focus to the feeling of touching yourself. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Try new things. If you’re used to sex toys, exploring your own body with your hands may feel novel. Try masturbating in different areas of your home, in front of a mirror, or with your non-dominant hand. Experimenting in this way can help boost your confidence and enlighten you about new things that you like. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 6. Make it a practice. Practice mindful masturbation on a regular basis to build your skills and knowledge around your pleasure. Over time you will see its benefits, making the act of staying present easier. </li></ol>

How to Perform Mindful Masturbation

Craving a little more intimacy? Grab a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a> and learn more about open <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communication","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communication</a> with your partners, experimenting in the bedroom, and being your own best sexual advocate with a little help from Emily Morse (host of the wildly popular podcast Sex With Emily).

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Mindful masturbation is a worthwhile practice that marries the principles of mindfulness with exploring your body, which can improve your sex life with yourself and others. Learn how this practice benefits you and how to do it on your own.

Mindful masturbation is a worthwhile practice that marries the principles of mindfulness with exploring your body, which can improve your sex life with yourself and others. Learn how this practice benefits you and how to do it on your own.


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Mindful Masturbation Guide: How to Try Mindful Masturbation