Go ahead, make your own day.
Throughout your life, your single most dependable sex partner is gonna be yourself. Which is great, bc masturbating is a chance to figure out what you like and try things that seem a little jacked up—plus it's (usually) a drama-free relationship.
“Masturbation is like a pleasure lab and what you learn during masturbation will be useful knowledge during partner sex as well as future solo forays,” says Carol Queen, PhD, Good Vibrations Staff Sexologist. But it's mainly all kinds of good for you. “Giving yourself pleasure sends yourself the message that you are worthy of it and that feeling good is part of your tool kit of life. Plus its role in helping you sleep, dealing with cramps, distracting you from anxiety, etc., also helps you live your best life."
Chances are good that you already have some excellent moves at the ready but if you're looking to mis it up, or just really impress yourself, here are some things to keep in mind.
Let your freak flag fly
“Your masturbation sessions are your time to let loose and explore. Don't be afraid to climb on the bathroom counter, hump the couch cushions, or do anything else that makes you feel wild and bad,” says Kay Johnson, founder of Let's Get Kinky.
Mess around
“Remember masturbation is not restricted to genital touch. You can touch any part of body that feels good, your neck, lips, nipples, belly, thighs, feet,” says Renée Hilliard, M.D., a trained Ob/Gyn and sex and relationship coach. “Experiment with different speeds of touch and stroking. You can pinch, tap, go up and down, side to side, make circles using whole hand or just one or two fingers. Try cupping the vulva with your hand and making hip circles. It’s your body, show it a good time.”
Surprise yourself
Try this advice from Sarah Riccio, queer sex educator and co-founder Delicto.com: “Change your venue. Taking a break from your designated masturbation spot can make the act feel more erotic and exciting. So get creative! If you always masturbate in bed, take some waterproof toys into the shower for an extra wet ménage à moi. Or, if you’re really in the mood to admire yourself, head to the room with the biggest mirror and give yourself a show. Watching your reflection enjoy a powerful orgasm will have you feelin’ yourself in more ways than one.”
Try edging
“Edging is where you push yourself to the point of orgasm and then right before you cross the threshold, you back off. Every time you do it you build the intensity of the sensations, so by the time you let yourself go, it's like a freight train,” says Piri Miller, sex expert and founder of couples' sex toy company Come Play.
Here are some positions to try while you keep this advice in mind.
“Lie on your side with a toy or your hands between your legs. Squeeze your thighs together for extra friction,” says O'Reilly. If you wanna go more subtle: “Try butterflying your legs in and out while closely tuning into the subtle sensations outside as your vaginal lips and thighs come together and inside the vagina.” says Hilliard.
Squatting helps with internal stimulation, says Hilliard. If your thighs start burnin', go ahead and kneel instead. “Saddle up and ride pillows, neck rolls, furniture, rolled up towels, stuffed animals, yoga balls, or insert toys like dildos and vibrators.”
If you have roommates but need a quickie, like, now, hit the bathroom and lock the door. Wrap a powerful wand vibrator in a towel to tame that beast and muffle its noise. Press your makeshift lover between your hips and the sink. Rock back and forth against it or find a perfect spot and press against it. Afterwards, the towel doubles as a secret wand-hiding device.
