We all have our own ways of coping during uncertain times, especially when stuck inside for a while. Some are healthy ways like exercising, meditating, seeing an e-therapist online, setting up video chats or drawing in adult coloring books. Others – like substance abuse and overeating – are not as healthy. The bottom line is that we fill our time with various methods of coping...and I’m here to offer up another tactic for you to consider. Masturbation!

Masturbation, as it turns out, is a rather common coping strategy. But what you might not know is that those who masturbate more frequently do not seem to be as affected by stressors. Perhaps this is because masturbation releases oxytocin, a feel-good hormone that helps improve healing.

Is it just me or could we all use a little feel-good hormone release these days?!? To honor that, I’d like to invite you to try these 10 masturbation challenges for vulva owners this April.

Challenge 1: First Fridays
April kicks off on a Wednesday this year. Your first challenge is to get a masturbation session in by EOD Friday, April 3. For those who live at home alone, this might be a simple task, easy peezy! But for those juggling a work-from-home schedule while e-schooling or home-schooling kids, it might take a little extra coordination. Kick this challenge off right and meet your first deadline!

Challenge 2: Lunch Break O
Schedule a mid-day “O” and treat it like an important meeting. You wouldn’t skip an important meeting, now would you? Get your lunch break masturbation scheduled, put in on your calendar and then stick to it!

Challenge 3: Toys in the Tub
Draw a nice, hot bubble bath and then take one (or two or three) of your favorite sex toys in with you. Let your muscles relax, feel the warm water on your naked body, close your eyes, and enjoy some relaxation and pleasure. You deserve it!

Challenge 4: Intentional Edge
It’s not just about the end goal! Find an evening to play with some intentional edging. Get a toy like the French Kiss Charmer by CalExotics and get to the point where you almost reach orgasm...but then stop, reset and restart. This back-and-forth teasing can be so much fun, allowing your orgasm to be that much more exciting when you finally allow it to happen.

Challenge 5: Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
For those of you who have a regular masturbation routine, you might be reaching a “plateau.” You know what works, so you do it again, and again, and again…boring!! Break the routine by buying a toy completely out of your comfort zone. Perhaps add an anal stimulator like the Pave Audrey or some nipple clamps for new methods of stimulation.

Challenge 6: Mirror Masturbation
This one is simple – so don’t stop now, you got this! Masturbate with your fingers or a toy while lying down in front of a mirror. Watching your powerful “O” in action can be quite erotic.

Challenge 7: Hands-Free Orgasm
This is a fun one! Find a way to achieve orgasm without using your hands at all. Tie your hands behind your back even to make sure there’s no cheating! (Pro tip: try watching porn while dry humping a pillow.)

Challenge 8: Shower with Pleasure
Treat yourself in the shower. Use your fingers and B.Y.O.T. (bring your own toy). Turn on some sexy music, allow water to fall all over your body and don’t forget to be present in the moment!

Challenge 9: Dress Up & Play
When you’re home and bored, it’s easy to put on some oversized sweatpants and a t-shirt. For this masturbation session, put on some lingerie, lipstick and high heels. You may feel silly at first, but that could change as soon as you get in the mood.

Challenge 10: Share this Challenge with a Friend
Congrats, you made it to Challenge 10! After achieving your 10th orgasm (however you see fit), take note of what it has done for your stress levels. Then, challenge a friend to do the same. Sharing is caring!

- Jesse Hart