Here’s how one sexpert recommends you fight seasonal depression this January

No light therapy required!

Woman lying on bed with legs in air
(Image credit: Image credit: Getty Images)

Got the winter blues? To fight any feelings of seasonal depression, one sexpert insists you should masturbate daily this January—a whopping 31 days in a row.

Now that the most wonderful time of the year is behind us, we're due for a long, dreary month ahead. Not to mention, many of us are holing up at home due to COVID surges. So while spending time solo, clinical sexologist Ness Cooper suggests taking advantage of the opportunity. 

"I think what’s most important is to focus on spending time with yourself and get to know your body,” Cooper revealed to Jam Press. “Get yourself in a relaxed state and become aware of the sensations going through your body.”

Skies might be grey and emotions might seem bleak thanks to seasonal affective disorder, but playing around with app-controlled vibrators or reading steamy romance novels will give you the boost you're craving, according to Cooper—no sunset lamp or blinding light therapy required. 

Is masturbation the cure to seasonal depression?

Although it might seem excessive or even shocking, Cooper's claims for daily solo sex this January can pay off. 

Masturbation's skincare benefits and immune system boost are a plus, but who doesn't appreciate a little help with that annual bout of seasonal affective disorder? Orgasms release hormones like serotonin to boost happiness, making the seemingly never-ending winter month more bearable. Not that we aren't advocating for vitamin D, but Cooper does make a compelling case for a sexual mood boost when it's too cold to step outside. 

Even better? Women's most intense orgasms are through masturbation. Once you reach your pleasure points alone, you'll get a better understanding of your body when you're ready to bring a partner into the equation. Think of it as a practice round before the main event!

Can you masturbate too much? Not this January, apparently. 

Danielle Valente
Digital News Writer

Need a TV show recommendation? Maybe a few decor tips? Danielle, a digital news writer at Future, has you covered. Her work appears throughout the company’s lifestyle brands, including My Imperfect Life, Real Homes, and woman&home. Mainly, her time is spent at My Imperfect Life, where she’s attuned to the latest entertainment trends and dating advice for Gen Z.

Before her time at Future, Danielle was the editor of Time Out New York Kids, where she got to experience the best of the city from the point of view of its littlest residents. Before that, she was a news editor at Elite Daily. Her work has also appeared in Domino, Chowhound, and amNewYork, to name a few. 

When Danielle’s not writing, you can find her testing out a new recipe, reading a book (suggestions always welcome), or rearranging the furniture in her apartment…again. 

Latest in Sex & Relationships
Where do we feel different types of love in our bodies? Pictured: a couple about to kiss on a green background
Where do we feel different types of love in our bodies?
High angle view of two women's feet lying in bed together. Couple wearing socks to bed. One woman is wearing rainbow flag's socks. They are sleeping together.
Wait, is wearing socks to bed the key to a great orgasm?
Jennifer Garner waking up startled in a scene from the film: 13 Going on 30 (2004).
This alarm clock vibrator will make you a morning person—but time's ticking on a steep discount
a couple's silhouette in bed on a background of orange and black pumpkins
The pumpkin spice sex position is a simmering-hot way for couples to have fun this fall
Couple in bed together, their legs entwined and exposed
The 'ankles as earrings' position is the new TikTok trend that's piquing interest in the bedroom
A woman holding a gold heart necklace in her mouth; sex toy jewelry
Sex toy jewelry is chic *and* functional—these pieces will add some razzle-dazzle to your collection
Latest in News
What our editors are buying during the Ulta Fall Haul. Pictured: Autumn skincare and autumn makeup concept with beauty products on table
What our beauty-obsessed editors are buying during the Ulta Fall Haul
Is Bad Bunny 'Un Preview' about Kendall Jenner? Pictured: Bad Bunny attends The 2023 Met Gala Celebrating "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 01, 2023 in New York City
Is Bad Bunny's 'Un Preview' about Kendall Jenner? All about those cowgirl clues
Hailey Bieber attends the Saint Laurent Womenswear Spring/Summer 2024 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on September 26, 2023 in Paris, France
Hailey Bieber gives us a lesson in fall dressing with this edgy Quiet Luxury look—here's how to copy it IRL
Where do we feel different types of love in our bodies? Pictured: a couple about to kiss on a green background
Where do we feel different types of love in our bodies?
High angle view of two women's feet lying in bed together. Couple wearing socks to bed. One woman is wearing rainbow flag's socks. They are sleeping together.
Wait, is wearing socks to bed the key to a great orgasm?
Jennifer Garner waking up startled in a scene from the film: 13 Going on 30 (2004).
This alarm clock vibrator will make you a morning person—but time's ticking on a steep discount