Episode 21 - Happiness and the ”Flying Solo” ”M” word - Personal & Private, BUT did you know

In this awkward episode, I will provide some resources to explore a possible link between happiness, mental health, sexual health and -- yes, the "M" word -- MASTURBATION.  The showcase resources are as follows:

1) www.teenhealthsource.com - A great resource for teens and parents that provides information about birth control, sexual identity, puberty & the body, relationships & self-esteem, and sex.  

2) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvSJE9n0GfA&t=623s - In this Ted Talk, Jane Langton both provides a true confession account and research findings connected to masturbation.

3) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRkPU1fKchI&list=PLrQBzEPbi1wRL5NRzlRVSe2muIBTZRmfA - In this Ted Talk, Teesha Morgan explores masturbation myths and provides ideas for different words we can use for the "M" word to make the conversation more comfortable. 

Additional on-line article links:

1) https://greatist.com/happiness/masturbation-health-benefits#1 - This article looks at the question about whether-or-not it is good for us?

2) https://www.healthline.com/health/masturbation-and-depression - This article looks at the link between masturbation and depression.

3)https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-18581/10-reasons-to-make-masturbation-part-of-your-wellness-routine.html - This article looks at the benefit of incorporating masturbation into your wellness routine.

Ideas for a music playlist:

1)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLexgOxsZu0 - How about some #metime with Bruno Mars

2) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wv-34w8kGPM - A song by Divinyls called, "I touch myself."

3) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFq4E9XTueY - Who was to know what Cindy Lauper was singing about?

How about a comedy sketch about the terrain:

1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V13rRz05uBM - An uncomfortable moment between Donna and Eric on "That 70s Show."

2) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jze7b5cG8dw - The Seinfeld game make an awkward bet on "Seinfeld."  Maybe to really be master of one's domain it means "taking back" one's body.  

Worksheet for good coping

1) Here is a list from the Dialectical Behavioural Therapy Skills Workbook of pleasurable activities and it includes the "M" word: http://www.englishtherapy.ch/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Big-List-of-Pleasurable-Activities.doc

Thanks for joining me at The Hopeful Humanist Cafe.  I look forward to our next meeting of the minds!