Naturism, or nudism, is the idea that people can enjoy each other’s company without the inhibitions of clothing. For many people, this is an unusual concept, as we have grown with the belief that clothing is required for all social interactions, and that individuals have anatomical parts that should remain private. But this in an inaccurate concept; clothing is more restricting to humans as it creates social barriers. Nudism is a healthy non-sexual philosophy and choice of lifestyle which is both natural and liberating. The practice of being naked socially and recreationally has many benefits to your psyche, your body, and your relationships.
There is much research to indicate that nudity is healthier for your body. Sleep experts recommend cooler environments to attain the deepest and most restful sleep. Similar studies have also shown that sleeping in cooler temperatures can increase your metabolism; nudity is an excellent way to help yourself reach those cooler temperatures at night. Additionally, nudity prevents excessive sweating, epidermal inflammation, and is better for blood circulation. Meanwhile, clothing has been found to reduce sperm counts and fertility in men, and increase the risk of yeast infections and UTI’s in women. Being naked outdoors also has health benefits. Researchers suggest that our bodies absorb Vitamin D best through sunlight, which prevents Rickets in children and Osteomalacia in adults; it will also help improve a person’s mood.
Naturism also has psychological benefits. While most people rely on clothing to boost their confidence through the appearance of social status, being nude actually works much better. By doffing one’s clothes and spending time either alone or with others, you become more relaxed with yourself and thus increase your self-confidence and self-esteem. Everyone has physical imperfections that we usually try to cover up, such as extra weight, scars, stretch marks; but by practicing nudism we come to see that these are normal things, and when we are nude with others, we see that everyone has the same imperfections; so few people meet the “perfect body” standards that are shown in magazines, television, and other outlets. Being nude with others makes this apparent and enables us to relax and see that all our bodies are flawed, and teaches us to accept those flaws in others and ourselves. Nudism promotes a positive self-image.
Nudism is also good for teaching equality. Uniforms are fairly commonplace in some schools and jobs, because it equalizes people; naturism does the same thing. Within naturist communities things like social classes and race have a difficult time existing when all you can see is a person in their most natural state. We often times make judgments of people’s status based on the clothes they wear, and tend to find other people we perceive ourselves to fit in with. When we are nude, we cannot see the imaginary lines that we draw for these social statuses, and we learn to draw to people based on personalities. In this way, we are able to befriend people we might never have thought to socialize with in clothed society.
One thing that still worries some people, however, is whether or not clothing-optional lifestyles and venues are safe for children and for families? Nudism is made for families and there are safeguards at every resort meant to protect every guest, including patrollers on staff who are just there to enforce the zero tolerance rules for inappropriate behavior. Children take to nudity the way ducks take to water, and they do not think a thing of it, so we want to protect that innocence in places where families are welcome. Nudism within families also creates an atmosphere of openness, which makes it easier to have conversations that may be more awkward in other families.
Nudism is also fun. Many people become anxious over the idea of being nude around others, however, being nude socially is very relaxing and enjoyable, and it enables a person to widen their comfort zones and truly be themselves. By being sociable while nude we find ourselves being more open and true to who we really are and openness is healthy for good relationships with family and friends, which makes enjoying ourselves recreationally so much easier. There are lots of fun things to do nude and with other nudists too. Essentially, almost anything you do clothed can be done without clothes as well, but some favorite naturist activities include swimming, volleyball, yoga, bowling, hiking, kayaking and paddle boarding. Naked participation in these activities increases the experience more positively, as there’s more freedom of motion and no clothing to act as an inhibitor.
While there are so many good things about nudism, there are also many myths and misconceptions concerning the philosophy. Many people think that because everyone is naked that activities revolve around sex, which is not the case; sexual activity is even prohibited in all public areas within the confines of naturist resorts. But as with anything, if one decides to venture into clothing-optional recreation, be careful; some resorts that claim to be naturist resorts are actually not family friendly, but rather clothing-optional couple’s getaways. It’s always best to do your research ahead of time before making any decisions. Naturism and nudism are non-sexual and family friendly lifestyle choices; it is not pornographic.
There are many more positives to nudism that outweigh the myths and misconceptions. Naturism is a healthy lifestyle that revolves around openness, respect, equality, and acceptance. Social nudity opens up peoples comfort zones in order to build stronger bonds and better relationships. Nudism is a safe lifestyle for kids and families because those involved work hard to keep it that way. Overall, naturism is a free and fun-filled philosophy where everyone is welcome.
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