Pleasure Practices for Thriving in 2025. It’s time to unplug and tune in—not to the endless doom-scrolling but to you. When life pulls you in a million directions, it’s easy to lose sight of your needs and the joy that comes with them. That’s where Upstate Mary comes in. Our full-spectrum CBD lube is designed to help you rediscover pleasure while nurturing your body and mind. Let’s talk about how to embrace self-care and sensuality with these simple, soulful practices.
TIP 1: PRIORITIZE YOU
Women are often caregivers, nurturers, and problem-solvers, juggling countless responsibilities. It’s no wonder you feel stretched so thin! Taking time for pleasure isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. When you say yes to yourself, you’re refueling your energy, your passion, and your power. Give yourself permission to pause, rest, and replenish. Let others step in where they can. You’re not just surviving—you’re thriving.
TIP 2: SEXUAL PLEASURE IS SELF-CARE
As our Co-Founder Melissa Eppard says, “Sexual health is an essential part of mental well-being.” But let’s be real—orgasms aren’t just fun; they’re therapy. Every climax releases dopamine, your brain’s feel-good hormone, lowering stress and boosting your mood. CBD can enhance this experience by stimulating cannabinoid receptors in sexual tissue, boosting blood flow, sensitivity, and natural lubrication. It’s self-care in its most intimate and empowering form.
TIP 3: TRY SOMETHING NEW
Feeling blah? Science says your brain craves new experiences. Whether it’s picking up a new hobby or exploring a new way to connect with your partner, change can reignite your spark. Read some sensual literature, indulge in fantasies, or try something bold, like our Vibe. Remember, your brain is your most powerful sex organ—feed it curiosity and excitement!
TIP 4: THINK QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
If you’ve ever said, “I don’t have time for that,” this tip is for you. Self-care doesn’t have to take all day—focus on quality over quantity. Walk around the block, savor a cup of coffee, or enjoy a podcast and light your favorite candle. Choose activities that fill your cup, not your schedule.
TIP 5: FOCUS ON YOUR SENSES
When’s the last time you paused to fully feel? With so much on our plates, it’s easy to live in our heads. But your body is calling—are you listening? You are not just a mind; you’re a whole body. Pause to notice the flavors of chocolate, the sounds of nature, or the textures around you. Let your eyes explore from distant landscapes to the fine details of your surroundings. Slow down and breathe deeply with a mindful breathing necklace designed to help you slow down your exhale. Every moment of mindfulness is a step toward recalibrating your nervous system.
TIP 6: LET CBD BE YOUR COMPANION
CBD isn’t about getting high; it’s about finding balance. Known to promote relaxation, increase blood flow, and ease anxiety, CBD can also enhance sexual pleasure. Our full-spectrum CBD lubes combine organic botanicals with soothing and stimulating effects, making pleasure accessible no matter where you are in life.
TIP 7: CONTROL THE CHAOS
Life can feel like a whirlwind of noise, deadlines, and demands. Silence is a luxury—but it’s also a necessity. Take five minutes to unplug: dim the lights, put on noise-canceling headphones, or meditate. These small shifts can help you regain clarity and calm. Remember, you’re not just managing the chaos—you’re mastering it.
TIP 8: EXPLORE TOUCH
Touch is a powerful form of connection. Rediscover your erogenous zones with Slide Intimacy Oil, or experiment with textures like silk or feathers. With a partner? Add a blindfold or simply savor the intimacy of cuddling each other. Touch isn’t just about sex; it’s about connection, love and feel-good oxytocin.
TIP 9: DISCOVER DAILY PLEASURES
What sparks joy in your day? A bath? A call to a friend? Write these down and incorporate them into your routine. For our Co-Founder Melissa Eppard, CBD was a lifesaver during her recovery from breast cancer and medical-induced menopause, helping her reconnect with her body and rediscover pleasure. What will help you feel like you again?
TIP 10: SAY NO
Learn the power of no. Every time you say no to someone else, you’re saying yes to yourself. It’s okay to set boundaries—it’s a form of self-love. Reclaim your time and energy, and don’t feel guilty for setting boundaries. You can’t do it all, but you can do what matters most.
Photo Credit: Our Co-Founder, Melissa Eppard, photographed by Charise Isis, creator of The Grace Project, an empowering photographic project that captures the courage, beauty and grace of those who have had mastectomy surgery as a result of breast cancer.
To learn more about CBD and reclaiming your pleasure, join us IRL at events, follow us on social media, and here on Between the Sheets.
ABOUT UPSTATE MARY
At Upstate Mary, we celebrate the power of plants and the beauty of self-care. Our Farm to Bedroom™ collection is designed to support pleasure and connection at every stage of life, whether you’re navigating menopause, postpartum, or simply exploring your sensuality. Formulated with organic botanicals and full-spectrum CBD, our intimacy oils and suppositories nurture your body without disrupting its natural balance.
Rediscover your pleasure with Upstate Mary.