Masturbation for anxiety relief: how orgasms calm your nervous system

It’s 2025 and the world feels like it’s running on a never-ending loop of wtf. Between climate dread, genocide, the impending threat of nuclear war, economic chaos, and the constant hum of existential noise in our heads (and feeds), anxiety is basically the new baseline. And yet while sex might be the very last thing on your mind when you're deep in the trenches, it’s often exactly what your nervous system is craving. 

Masturbation is especially accessible—it doesn’t require another person, a date night, or even pants. It’s free, it's healing, and while toys are divine, your own goddess-given hand can usually get the job done. 

Not convinced? Know this: cold, hard, verified research has found that orgasms offer (im) measurable anxiety relief. True story!

How masturbation soothes your nervous system (it's science, baby)

When we talk about anxiety, we’re really talking about an overwhelmed nervous system. Your nervous system constantly scans for threats—real or imagined—and kicks into fight, flight, or freeze mode when it senses danger. In an inherently stressful world, this system, while well-designed, often gets stuck in overdrive—sending us headlong into that never-ending loop of wtf. 

This is where masturbation comes in—as a powerful, embodied way to hit the brakes and re-regulate.

How? Glad you asked.

1. It lowers cortisol levels

Cortisol is your body’s primary stress hormone, released during times of anxiety, overwhelm, or panic. Masturbation—especially when it leads to orgasm—has been shown to help your body return to a more regulated, relaxed state. Research shows that orgasms reduce cortisol—our main stress hormone—making solo play feel like nature’s sexiest anti-anxiety pill.

2. It releases endorphins

Orgasms trigger the release of endorphins, those loverly neurotransmitters that act as natural painkillers and mood boosters. They create a warm, floaty post-orgasmic afterglow that can lighten your mental load for many hours. You know that deep sigh and spontaneous smile after you cum? That’s your endorphins expressing their approval.

3. It boosts dopamine

Dopamine is your brain’s “reward” chemical, and it’s released in delicious waves during sexual stimulation and climax. A dopamine boost can elevate your mood, sharpen focus, and even make your problems feel a little less…loud. Masturbation literally rewires your brain for pleasure over panic.

4. It releases oxytocin

Known as the "love hormone," oxytocin is released during orgasm and creates feelings of connection, safety, and calm. Even if you’re flying solo, oxytocin can help soothe social anxiety and nurture your sense of wellbeing. Who says you need a partner to feel held? No one worth listening to, that's who.

5. It promotes better sleep

Seemingly magical masturbation can help you fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply. The hormonal cocktail released during orgasm—including prolactin and oxytocin—makes your nervous system feel safe enough to rest. And restful sleep just happens to be one of anxiety’s greatest enemies.

6. It grounds you in the present moment

Anxiety thrives in the past and in the future. Masturbation, on the other hand, invites you to inhabit your body right now. Revelation: being in your body and being in the present moment are the same thing. It's hardly any wonder that focusing on physical sensation is a powerful mindfulness practice. Bonus: it feels really good.

7. It activates the parasympathetic nervous system

Also known as our “rest and digest” mode, the parasympathetic nervous system counters our fight-or-flight response. Orgasms have been shown to activate this system, helping our bodies to physically shift from tension to relaxation. Translation? Your whole system exhales.

8. It gives you a sense of control

Anxiety can make you feel like everything is spinning out of your grasp. Masturbation is a tangible way to reclaim control—of your body, your pleasure, and your experience. That feeling of sovereignty can ripple outward into the rest of your life.

9. It enhances emotional regulation

Regular sexual release can improve how you respond to stress overall. With better hormonal balance, your brain and body learn not to spiral as hard when triggers crop up. You build resilience through pleasure, not punishment. Ya heard it here first.

10. It reduces muscle tension

Physical stress often builds up in the body—jaw, shoulders, pelvic floor, sometimes causing pain.  Pain is your nervous system’s drama queen move—it throws a fit to let you know something’s up and you better pay attention. Masturbation helps to release tension and pain through rhythmic contraction and release. It’s like giving your nervous system a long, hot soak.

Pleasure clue: even if—for whatever reason—you don’t reach orgasm, mindful masturbation still brings benefits—think of it as somatic self-care. Touching yourself with intention can reset your stress levels and rewire how you experience pleasure.

Big bad bonus: the more relaxed and in tune you are with your own body, the more connected you’ll be with others—if and when you choose to share your sexbomb energy.

So go ahead—get yourself off for yourself. Your nervous system deserves the great orgasmic exhale.