Benefits of Naturism
The benefits of naturism are wide and varied. From health benefits to therapy; from getting close to nature and the simple pleasures of pure freedom...let us show you how you and your body can benefit from the lifestyle that is nude recreation - or naturism.
Health
Sun exposure and vitamin D.
Despite negative publicity on the risk of skin cancer from too much sun exposure, it is sunburn that leads to skin cancer not sun exposure.
Naturism is more about doing normal, everyday activities, without the encumbrance of clothing when it is actually not required than lying about in the sun to get an all over suntan. The area of skin covered by a bathing suit doesn't really make much difference when out in the sun - the same precautions have to be taken naked or in togs and sun protection is always advisable when out in the sun, especially between 10am and 3pm in the summer months.
There is a lot of literature on the benefits of the sun on the body due to the production of vitamin D in response to sun exposure. The most natural way to get vitamin D is by exposing your bare skin to sunlight and the recommended 'dose' of sunlight on the total body, required to maintain adequate vitamin D levels, is considered by many specialists to be half the time it takes to burn per day. Not only does it feel good, but the sun has been documented to be beneficial in the prevention of a large number of diseases, from rickets to some forms of cancer (including melanoma), arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes, asthma and cardiovascular disease.
Mental health
Being naked outdoors on a sunny day isn't sexual, but it is sensual; a delight to your senses; creating a feeling of well-being. Researchers are now discovering that vitamin D may play an important role in mental health and in depression. We all know how invigorating the sun can be and how depressed we can feel in the winter, during days and days of cloud and rain...it even has a name SAD (seasonal affective disorder). Naturism allows us to feel the breeze over the whole body and the cool grass under our feet. Add swimming without clammy togs into the mix, and you get a total stimulation of the tactile (touch) senses;
In today's world, where stress seems to be 'part of the deal', a visit to a naturist club can let you totally unwind. We often use the expression 'shed your stresses with your clothes' and that is totally true - once you get through the gate and dispense with your clothes, all your stresses can be felt draining away as nature's elements caress your whole body.
Naturists know they lead a much healthier life, physically and mentally due to the euphoria which creates a sense of well-being that can only be experienced to understand it.
Self Esteem
Along with the increase in euphoria created by exposing the whole body to nature's elements, naturism helps to increase confidence and self esteem. Once people shed their clothes they regard each other as equal individuals and pay little heed to status symbols - people are accepted as themselves and they can truly relax. The naturist philosophy encourages the acceptance of all people, no matter who they are or what they look like - what your body looks like becomes irrelevant 'you are you', and we are basically all the same underneath.
Many people, women especially, think that their body isn't good enough to show to others. However they needn't worry - there are all shapes and sizes, colours and creed in the general population and the same exists in a naturist environment but everyone is accepted without prejudice. Some have experienced surgery, childbirth, or have scars from accidents, but social nakedness quickly shows you that you are accepted for who you are not what you look like - there is no need to worry about how your body compares with someone else's.
You will gain more confidence and feel totally ‘comfortable in your skin’.
Lifestyle
The naturist lifestyle allows you to experience the true ‘freedom’ of exposing your whole body to nature’s elements. It is a lifestyle choice, and you will find, after you have experienced and dispelled all the myths surrounding it, you can live a normal life naked in a safe environment.
Apart from the obvious health benefits, many people join a naturist club to socialise with like-minded people. Most clubs have either accommodation or camping facilities. So you can spend a relaxed holiday in an on-site cabin, in your caravan or tent or just visit for the weekend or a day. Most have a spa, some with a sauna, and a swimming pool. The clubhouse allows socialising on a regular basis, even on a wet day or in the evenings.
Clubs are open all year round and many hold monthly social gatherings. During the winter, events are held around the fire in the clubhouse or at a member’s home. Some hold swim nights at a local heated indoor pool, followed by a meal out.
Children are catered for as well. There are playgrounds, swimming pools and plenty of safe grounds for the children to play in. And some have a youth hall where the children can entertain themselves while the parents relax.
You never have to feel alone when a member of a naturist club. There is something for everyone.
Couple ‘therapy’ (joining because of the other partner):
A recent survey of naturists found that many joined because their partner wanted to. Often one person in the couple is not as keen as the other, but many times the reluctant partner ends up being the keenest, once naturism has been experienced.
Because naturism can lead to a person, especially a woman, liking herself more and gaining more confidence she will look and feel more radiant leading to a relationship flourishing.
Freedom
The sense of freedom when you remove the 'entrapments of civilisation’ is fantastic. It is simply more comfortable to be free of clothing. The sheer joy of diving into water without a clinging costume has to be experienced to be understood.
Having the wind blow across all your body is a sensuous feeling which is enhanced by the warmth of the sun. You have no clothing restricting your movement, which makes playing sport easier and instead, your body is as it should be – free!
Recreation and Enjoyment
For the sports minded, many clubs have sports courts for playing socially. This includes Miniten (the naturist’s version of tennis), volleyball, petanque, Tenniquoits and indoor sports such as table tennis, darts or pool. Many clubs have competitions in these sports.
If you are not into sport, all clubs have expansive grounds, planted in bush or lovely gardens. So you can just relax and unwind in a peaceful setting or if you like to keep busy, there are other outdoor activities that you can partake in, such as gardening or grounds maintenance.
Every year, over the New Year period, a National Festival is held at a naturist club and this is a great time to meet up with new friends or renew old acquaintances from previous festivals. Sports competitions are generally also held on a national level at the festival and there are plenty of social events to attend.
Many naturists join together into special interest groups and organise such events as nude tramping, cycle rides, car rallies or meals out. Some book out local vineyards or restaurants for a nude dining experience.
Whether it is meeting up with friends, playing sport, attending social events or just relaxing, naturism can give you a great deal of enjoyment. There is always something going on and you never need to feel alone.
Connection with nature
Some people feel more connected with nature when naked. For example, gardening naked is a great way to feel invigorated, liberated and at one with nature. The touch of plants against the skin and the feeling of grass under your feet awakens the tactile senses and the birds seem to accept you more as part of the surroundings when you are naked.
Family participation
Remember the ‘good old days’ when Mum, Dad and the kids all went out together in the weekends? Naturism is so good for quality ‘family time’ together.
Naturism is great for kids. Children who have grown up in a naturist environment have a better understanding and acceptance of all body shapes and sizes and how they develop. They grow up familiar with people of all ages and free of the usual curiosity about the human body and naturism gives children a healthy attitude to people of the opposite sex. Children are natural naturists and are usually too busy playing or making new friends to worry about the general lack of clothing.