It’s not every day that we wake up and get to choose pleasure. Between life, work, relationships and everyday stress, our lives sometimes feel more like have-tos than want-tos.
So in the spirit of creating conscientious and manageable momentum toward a life that prioritizes pleasure in the present, we rounded up 5 (really simple) daily practices that can help you manifest long term changes for practical pleasure — both with ourselves, or a partner.
Start your day off right with music & movement
This may feel redundant (or even impossible for some), but “waking up on the wrong side of the bed” can be made right with a few simple hacks. Start with water before caffeine to get your metabolism going and your system flushed before you gulp back approximately 2 to 12 cups of coffee. Caffeine might feel necessary to get you revved up in the am, but too much can lead to physical and emotional crashes later in the day.
Top your morning off with happy, feel-good music and movement. We’re big fans of Stevie Wonder with a side of stretching. Moving your body gets the blood flowing toward your muscles and your brain to literally stop any stagnation. Upbeat music has also been shown to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system — your rest and digest system that tells your body it’s safe to slow down, and relax.
READ MORE A Gut Feeling: How Stress Affects Your Vaginal Microbiome
Make a get-to list
Sure, a to-do list can help you manage your priorities and get sh!t done, but we also recommend another one. What do you want to do today? When we have something (or someone) to look forward to, it can create positive anticipation that boosts serotonin to help drive your day forward. This could be a short walk, a glass of wine, or dinner with a friend — be realistic, and don’t let the anticipation pull you too far from the here and now.
Find a pleasure practice.
Our sexual health and wellness often falls to the wayside during stressful times. Masturbation, personal massage, and cuddling can all be part of cultivating a greater connection to our physical bodies to increase the release of feel- good endorphins and dopamine. Just remember your pleasure practice doesn’t have to end in orgasm, or even involve sex! Dancing to your favorite song 27 times in a row can be just as exhilarating.
READ MORE 7 Simple Ideas to Sexify Your Self Care Routine
Masturbate!
Okay, maybe this feels nonessential, but masturbation is so beneficial, and creates long term health benefits. Not only does masturbation boost self-esteem and body image, regular orgasms can also enhance relaxation and promote better sleep by releasing the feel-good hormone oxytocin. And don't forget use our Salve as part of your sexual aftercare routine!
Find a ritual.
Incorporating one (or more!) of these practices into your everyday life not only boosts endorphins and helps lower your stress response, but establishing a daily routine that you (and your body) can rely on in the now can help center positive pleasure for the future. Having a constant helps us understand time, relationships, and change every day. Routines, rituals, and mantras can help us track how we feel, and who or what may be affecting us so that we can manifest change and prioritize pleasure in the present.
Not sure where to start? Take our quick lifestyle quiz for personalized recommendations to help jumpstart your self care rituals. Take the quiz.
Related Reading
Fat-Centric Self Care, Grounded In Self Touch
5 Ways to Feel More Confident Naked
A Realistic Guide to Staying Sane When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed
5 Ways to Practice Self-Care for Free
How To Cope With Stress & Live In the Moment words by Griffin Wynne (they/them)
Momotaro Apotheca and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material on Momotaro Apotheca is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition.