But masturbating not only adds life to your days, it also adds days -- even years -- to your life. And if you don't happen to have a hot date this weekend, it's a great way to take matters into your own hands. The solutions to many of life's problems are within your reach. Herewith, five reasons to go it alone.

1. Life's Small Pleasures

What would life be without the simple pleasures? Our days are often complicated, busy, exhausting. Having an orgasm brings us back to ourselves, reclaiming control over our emotions and urges, and sating our most basic desires. Whacking off just plain feels good -- both during and in the afterglow. And there's no post-peaking partner complications to deal with.

2. Good for Your Love Life

It's true what they say: Use it or lose it. When you orgasm, your body exudes pheromones, hormones that give off the message that you're feeling sexual. So the more you masturbate, the more likely you are to attract lovers. And who doesn't want to add more and merrier sexual partners to their list of experiences?

3. Getting It On for Your Nerves

To reach orgasm, you have to completely let go of your mental inhibitions. And this letting go, in combination with the oxytocin that is released into your body during masturbation, calms nerves, stimulates relaxation and can lead to better sleeps. Marta K. Helliesen, New York sex therapist, says, "An area of the brain called amygdala (famous for it's essential role in fear and anxiety) has shown decreased activity during sexual arousal and orgasm, which can suggest a lower feeling of anxiety and fear -- a pretty good deal given the anxiety-driven society we live in." Got a deadline at work that's taking a toll on your mental clarity? Find an empty boardroom and steal away for a quickie solo-O -- it's 10 times more calming than Valium.