Alright, let’s dive into something that, well, many folks ponder but maybe don’t always chat about over coffee. It’s one of those personal things, you know? Figuring out what’s “too much” for you.
My Early Days Figuring This Out
Back when I was younger, like many, I was just exploring, figuring things out. There wasn’t exactly a handbook, was there? So, it was a lot of just… doing. Sometimes I’d feel great, full of beans. Other times, not so much. It took me a while to even start connecting the dots between how often I was, you know, pleasuring myself, and how I was feeling overall.
When I Started Noticing Things Weren’t Quite Right
I remember a phase, probably in my early twenties, where I was definitely overdoing it. My energy levels were just… low. Not like “sick” low, but just generally meh. I’d find myself a bit foggy, maybe less motivated to hit the gym or even hang out with mates. It wasn’t a sudden thing, more like a slow creep. I also noticed, and this is a bit personal, that things could get a bit sore down there. That was a pretty clear sign, physically, that maybe I needed to ease off a bit.
But it wasn’t just the physical side. Mentally, I started feeling a bit… off. Here’s what I jotted down in my head, looking back:
- Focus: My concentration at work, or even when trying to read a book, wasn’t what it used to be. My mind would wander, often back to, well, you know.
- Mood: Sometimes I’d feel a bit guilty, or like I was using it as an escape more than anything else. That wasn’t a good feeling.
- Social Life: There were definitely times I chose to stay in by myself instead of going out. Not always because of it, but sometimes it was a factor. I was missing out on things.
The Process of Finding My Own Rhythm
So, I started to consciously pull back a bit. It wasn’t like I set a strict schedule or anything, that’s not really my style. It was more about listening to my body and my mind. I actively tried to fill my time with other stuff. I got back into my hobbies more seriously, made sure I was exercising regularly, and made an effort to be more social. If I felt that tell-tale sluggishness or mental fog, I’d take it as a sign to dial it back for a few days, or even a week.
I also began to notice the why. Was I doing it because I was bored? Stressed? Lonely? Understanding the triggers was a big step. If I was reaching for it as a quick fix for some other feeling, I’d try to address that root cause instead. Maybe call a friend if I was lonely, or go for a run if I was stressed.
Where I’m At Now
These days, I don’t really think about it in terms of numbers. For me, “too much” is when it starts to negatively impact other areas of my life. If I’m feeling energetic, clear-headed, getting my stuff done, enjoying my relationships, and it feels like a healthy, enjoyable part of my life, then it’s not too much. If I start seeing those old signs – the tiredness, the lack of focus, the feeling of it being a compulsion rather than a choice – then I know I need to adjust. It’s an ongoing process of self-awareness, really.
Ultimately, it’s super personal. What’s fine for one person might be too much for another, and what’s too much for you at one point in your life might be fine at another. The key, from my experience, is just being honest with yourself and paying attention to how it makes you feel, not just in the moment, but overall in your life. It’s about balance, like most things, I suppose.
