SEXUAL ABSTINENCE & SUPERPOWERS

Does Sexual Abstinence Really Improve Your Abilities?

Ever heard the rule that you should never have sex the night before a big day? Before you brush it off as mere superstition, you should know that many high achievers, particularly athletes and coaches, swear by this rule. It is believed that monks know something that the rest of us don’t, and that abstaining from sex gives you laser focus, god-tier discipline, and maybe even superpowers. That last part is a bit of an exaggeration, if you didn’t already notice.

Anyway, welcome to Monk Mode May, the month, halfway to November, when people around the world commit to sexual abstinence. Not just as a moral decision or a religious fast, but as a self-discipline experiment, a test of mental clarity, energy, and emotional reset. So, what really happens when you abstain from sex? Let’s explore the science, the stories, and the deeper questions behind this global curiosity.

What Does Science Say?

From a scientific point of view, the evidence supporting or refuting the link between sexual abstinence and performance is a bit… fuzzy. This is probably because many research studies done so far are small, short-term, or don’t consider other important factors like sleep, stress, or emotional state. For instance, we can’t completely rule out the possibility that the decreased focus and physical performance after sex are due to a lack of sleep rather than the sexual act itself.

In fact, one experiment followed two 26-year-old men for ten days. Researchers tracked everything from their testosterone levels and strength to their mood and focus. The results? Notable changes in mood, sexual desire, focus, and physical performance, but nothing conclusive. Meanwhile, some other studies show that abstaining from sex for a short period gives a testosterone boost. And since testosterone is linked to things like motivation, muscle growth, and focus, it’s easy to see why this idea caught on.

Some participants did report more sexual thoughts, mood shifts, and dips or spikes in concentration. But whether those shifts were caused by abstinence or just the natural chaos of human hormones is still up for debate. So far, science says: maybe, but don’t bet your monk robe on it just yet.

What Do People Say?

Many people have said that avoiding sex helps them regain mental clarity. Mentally, it can feel like a reset. With fewer distractions, some find it easier to focus on school, career goals, creative work, or personal growth. For instance, girls who delay having sex are statistically more likely to finish high school (or secondary school), suggesting a possible link between abstinence and academic achievement.

Emotionally, celibacy can take the pressure off. You don’t have to worry so much about your body image, sexual performance, or keeping up in a relationship. For some, it’s simply a breather, an opportunity to figure out who they are, outside of who they’re with.

Religious people also report a sense of closeness to God during periods of abstinence. You see, across many faith traditions, celibacy isn’t just about saying “no” to sex but also a way of focusing on one’s spiritual health. Many Christians and Muslims abstain from sex during fasting and other spiritual exercises. In Buddhism, monks observe celibacy as a tool for mindfulness, self-awareness, and detachment. Buddhist Reverend Heng Sure once said celibacy isn’t just part of the spiritual path, but “it’s essential to it.”

Interestingly, it’s not just religious people finding meaning in this. Even secular people use celibacy as a tool for self-discipline and personal transformation. Some other people use it as a way to reset their emotional compass and redefine their personal identity outside of sexual relationships.

Beyond physical or spiritual benefits, there are some practical perks to abstinence. For example, it reduces the risk of unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. It helps in the recovery from sex addiction and allows people to form deep, non-sexual relationships built on communication, shared values, and emotional connection.

What Now?

While science may not wholly agree on the perks of abstinence, especially for long periods, there are a number of interesting — and kinda convincing — reasons to give it a try.  Whether you’re exploring celibacy for spiritual reasons, self-discipline, healing, or just curiosity, remember that the goal is to be better at the end of the exercise and not to be about guilt or shame. You don’t have to do it perfectly, you don’t have to prove anything, and you don’t have to explain yourself to anyone. Abstinence might not give you superpowers, but it might just give you back a little more of yourself. And honestly? That’s power, too.

Welcome to Monk Mode May.