Nervous about a first date? Skip the pregame and instead masturbate, experts advise

Few among us are immune to the sweaty palms, outfit angst, and the bittersweet mix of excitement and dread that accompanies a first date.If the thought of meeting a potential suitor for the first time makes your stomach do cartwheels, you’re not alone.A recent poll found that 89 percent of would-be lovers battle nerves before a first date.While 39 percent routinely turn to alcohol to ease their anxiety, experts say masturbation, yes, you read that correctly, is a far more effective strategy.

“Think of the orgasm as an ‘upper’ and alcohol as a ‘downer’,” Dr.Mindy DeSeta, PhD, certified sexologist and sexuality educator at Hily Dating App, told The Post.

The expert revealed that the hormones released through orgasm promote mental clarity and a pervasive feeling of calm.“It’s a low-pressure, low-cost way of regulating your nervous system and helps chronic overthinkers process information more accurately,” she added.Masturbate to regulate, if you will.Alcohol, meanwhile, depresses the central nervous system and eases anxiety at the cost of diminishing judgment.“It calms the nerves but slows down your thought processes.

On a first date, you want to be on your mental game,” said DeSeta.Indeed, a 2022 trends survey by the dating app Bumble in the UK found that 62 percent of people thought they’d “form a more genuine connection” during an alcohol-free date.In addition to clouding the connection, imbibing can, over time, lead to the development of numerous health complications, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and cognitive decline.Just as the downsides of going bottoms up are well established, the benefits of pre-gaming a first date with solo-play are backed by science.“As you become aroused, the brain releases dopamine and endorphins, which give you the ‘I’ve got this’ motivation and confident energy,” said DeSeta.“After orgasm, oxytocin increases, promoting a sense of relaxation and emotional ...