Sex educator Samantha Bitty shares ideas for a night of solo intimacy

Big Night In is a series where Canadian experts and creatives share advice on how to spend a magical night at home. It's the ultimate guide to staying in — whether solo or with friends — featuring thoughtfully curated ideas that are anything but routine.

A night centred on sexual self-exploration could be just the kind of "me time" you've been looking for. "Sexual well-being is not separate from our overall well-being," said Samantha Bitty, an award-winning sex and consent educator. "An awareness of what feels authentic, wanted, fulfilling, personal and true for us in the present can contribute positively to our broader lives, wherever we reside along gender and sexuality spectrums, [and whatever our] relationship orientation."

Just make sure you're not limiting yourself. "Masturbation can involve other senses besides touch and include body parts aside from the typically thought of erogenous zones," Bitty noted. She encourages people to think about what they want to get out of a solo-sex session not only physically, but mentally, emotionally and even spiritually, and then set up their night accordingly.

For example, to attend to your physical needs, you may want to consider using sex toys and lube, or making your environment feel more sensual by changing your bedding and lighting. If you have chronic pain or disabilities, you might also want to plan for breaks. "Meeting our bodies where they are at — with loving patience, curiosity and kindness — is a brilliant goal for a night of self-pleasure," said Bitty.

To enhance your emotional experience, Bitty says you can incorporate "sensual elements that help us to be present or feel our feelings." This could be in the form of audio porn, erotica, music or your own written fantasies. And to set the stage for mental release, Bitty suggests removing stressors and distractions from the environment, such as closing the door so a nosy pet isn't present or scheduling alone time when you know you'll have your place all to yourself.

Whatever your evening looks like, remember that the best way to enjoy this moment is to, well, enjoy it. "Give yourself permission for intentional and thorough solo-sex time, free from feeling indulgent, selfish, silly or embarrassed," Bitty said. "Self-pleasure — specifically masturbation — does not need to be strictly utilitarian."