How to get started in naturism if you’re under 30, part 2: the good things about naturism

Summary: Here’s why you should get into naturism as early as possible and not delay until you’re older.

It seems reasonable to assume that most people who read this blog regularly, or even only occasionally, have at least some interest in naturism or curiosity about it. But there are at least two types of readers. Some have more than occasionally enjoyed nudity at home or participated in social nudity. But others have little or no actual experience with either home or social nudity.

This series of posts may be of interest to people of both types. Those in the first category probably want to learn how to persuade others – such as friends or family members – to join them in naturist activities. Or else they’re enthusiastic naturists wanting to promote naturism to anyone who’s open-minded. On the other hand, people in the second category are still uncertain about whether they would actually enjoy naturism or whether it might be risky to participate in it.

In either case, it makes good sense to be clear about what the benefits of naturism are. Having a clear idea about these benefits is important whether the objective is to persuade others to try naturism or else to persuade oneself about that.

I’ve written previously about approaches to persuade others to try naturism – with an emphasis on the many rewards. And also about why even if young people are seriously interested in naturist activities, they face certain difficulties because of their age. The difficulties include things like

Differences between activities preferred by younger and older people
Lack of facilities in naturist parks and resorts for activities enjoyed by young people
Greater concerns by young people about gender imbalances in naturism
The general fact that there are often many more older people than young people at clothing-optional beaches and other naturist places
Limitations on a young person’s available time and money needed for travel to naturist places

That’s far from the complete list of what can discourage young people from participating in naturism. So it’s very important that there are enough positive benefits to offset the difficulties even for a young person (or anyone, of course) who already wants to enjoy naturism.

Naturists know that the enjoyment of nonsexual nudity offers a wide variety of benefits. Just Google something like “benefits of naturism” for numerous examples. To give you some idea of just how many benefits there are, you could take a look at the TNS list of 205 Arguments and Observations in Support of Naturism. Every naturist can list their own favorites. But you probably want a more concise summary. What follows should be considered some of the most persuasive reasons to start enjoying nudity in ways you personally can find most convenient.

Being naked feels great

Don’t believe that? If you’ve never tried it (other than for changing clothes, bathing or showering, or having sex), just take off all your clothes sometime when you’re alone and somewhere that’s not uncomfortably hot or cold. You may be either indoors or – even better – outdoors in a natural setting. You’ll realize that your bare skin is exquisitely sensitive to every little breeze and (if you’re outside in the daytime) the warm sunshine. Walk around naked; you’ll feel the air even if there’s no breeze.

You probably enjoy walking barefoot on a comfortable surface. Naturists like to say that being naked is much better since you’re “barefoot all over”. If you don’t agree that the feeling is really wonderful, then naturism probably isn’t for you. Otherwise, keep reading.

In the words of John Muir,
“The body seems to feel beauty when exposed to it as it feels the campfire or sunshine, entering not by the eyes alone, but equally through all one’s flesh like radiant heat, making a passionate ecstatic pleasure glow not explainable.”
(See here for many more quotations on nudity.)

You’ll love socializing naked

For naturists there’s no need to involve anything sexual. There aren’t any typical naturist activities that have to be done alone. Sure, you could go hiking or camping naked by yourself. But unless solitude is your major goal, that would be far more enjoyable (and much safer) if done with other naturists. Yes, being naked still feels great when you’re by yourself. But social nudity with others is far more fun.

For one thing, there are always other naturists who have resources you don’t have. Perhaps just an apartment shared with others who’re OK with nudity even if not naturists themselves. That’s enough for you and one or more other naturists to prepare meals and eat together, have parties, play computer games, watch movies, have stimulating bull sessions – or whatever.

If you have naturists friends who have private homes, there are many additional possibilities. Things like hot tubs, swimming pools, backyards for sunbathing, lawn games, exercise equipment, etc. Playing chess, poker, charades, cards against humanity, tennis, volleyball, or many other things doesn’t make any sense by yourself. So much of what you might enjoy doing naked almost always requires others. and such things are much more fun if others are as naked as you are.

And then there are traditional naturist places like clothing-optional beaches, naturist parks and resorts, hot springs where nudity is OK, naturist B&B places that small groups can rent together in interesting locations, etc. Visiting any things of that sort is far more enjoyable when done with others who like being naked as much as you do. Humans, quite simply, are social creatures.

Having at least a few close friends is important for most people. In fact, it’s quite important for both physical and mental health. If most of your free time is spent alone, you’ve either chosen to be a hermit or a monk. Or else you’re missing a very important part of being human. And if you enjoy nudity for reasons already given, you’ll want friends who enjoy nudity just as much.

Being naked with others strengthens friendships

Friendships are formed and strengthened with others by having important interests in common. There certainly is a large range of things possible to have in common with others: hobbies; shared activities; sports preferences; tastes in literature, music, and art; travel and vacations choices; trades and professions; general lifestyles – and on and on…

Another example is preferences in clothing styles – especially the “style” of no clothing at all. As a naturist, you’ll meet other naturists at naturist places you visit. Sharing the enjoyment of nudity makes the naturists you meet good candidates for new friendships.

The more interests you have in common with someone you know the more likely it is you’ll be able to have an enduring friendship with them. Another factor is how rare and atypical the common interest is. It’s not difficult to find friends with popular interests such as golf or gardening or going out to eat. So things like that often don’t result in close friendships. If Joe doesn’t feel like playing tennis today, maybe Jane will be more interested. But for a decidedly atypical interest like social nudity, it’s only natural to value more highly someone who shares that interest with you.

There are plenty of hobbies and interests you can pursue alone. But others make sense only when they can be shared with others. You can do crossword puzzles or sudoku by yourself. Even camping or hiking or going to the beach. Things of the latter sort, however, are generally much more enjoyable when done with friends. Being naked when you’re alone is pleasant and comfortable – but so much better when you’re with others you like who’re also naked.

Nudity in long-term relationships strengthens bonds

The same considerations that apply to the strength of friendships also apply to individuals in long-term relationships. Probably much more so. There are usually good reasons other than nudity for establishing the relationship in the first place. Quite possibly neither partner knew much at all about naturism initially. But if at some point one partner develops an interest in clothesfree living, it’s understandably desirable if the other does likewise. For only one partner to enjoy nudity while the other is accepting of that choice but politely declines to go along isn’t uncommon. However, not enjoying nudity together misses an opportunity to strengthen the relationship.

The longer people enjoy nudity together, the more they become accustomed to seeing and accepting each others’ naked bodies. They learn to appreciate and value the shared nudity. Both partners gain confidence in remaining naked when socializing with others who aren’t naked. It’s not that difficult to be comfortable as the only one naked in a group, as long as everyone else accepts the nudity. But it’s even easier when a partner is also naked.

Nudity and sexuality need not be closely associated in a long-term relationship. Being naked much of the time with a partner doesn’t necessarily lead to having sex more frequently – but it definitely might. Certain types of clothing or costumes could actually be more of a turn-on. With people for whom nudity is normal and comfortable, certain types of unusual clothing can be “provocative” for couples and used in sexual role play.

Children thrive in a clothesfree environment

In long-term relationships there are, of course, likely to be children sooner or later. If partners are already used to being naked, what are the effects on children? Many people certainly believe that family nudity, including children, is not a good thing. But they are quite wrong.

Shared nudity among family members is something that brings the whole family together – especially when children are a little older and have friends outside the family. The shared nudity still unites the family, since it’s something “special” not present in most other families. When children reach their teen years, they may become more sensitive and uneasy about nudity. But they often resume interest in naturism as adults.

That young children often like to remove their clothes is well-known. And that’s almost inevitable if their parents are often naked too. Nudity is at least as comfortable for children as it is for adults who’re naturists. Young children, after all, are little affected by anti-nudity attitudes in the general society, as long as influences from outside the immediate family don’t intrude.

At some point parents do need to prepare their children to conform to society’s expectations. But that definitely doesn’t mean nudity at home needs to stop. Parents simply need to explain to their children how some families reasonably prefer to enjoy being naked at home even though that’s not the case for most families.

It’s quite healthy that children gradually learn about their bodies as soon as they’re mature enough to notice the differences between the bodies of boys and girls and want explanations. That will prepare them for the changes their own bodies will eventually experience. Logical and reasonable explanations can also be given for when contact with the bodies of others may or may not be appropriate.

Knowledgeable psychologists have often explained how experience with nudity is safe and beneficial for children. Here are some good articles from parents and health professionals on why nudity is not harmful to children – and can be very good for their psychological development.

Healthier attitudes about the human body

This is often described as “body acceptance” – that is, you’ll be much less concerned that your own body is not “perfect”, or perhaps even seems quite unsatisfactory. That’s not to say you should ignore the health risks of being seriously overweight. Rather, it’s the idea that no one’s worth as a person is diminished by imperfections present in almost everyone’s body.

Naturists realize it’s not good to be judgmental about bodies – their own or the bodies of others. The truth is that once you become comfortable with naturism, you will naturally become less judgmental about any naked bodies. Additionally, you will also not automatically think of naked bodies in sexual terms.

If you participate actively in naturism, you’ll see all types of naked bodies. You can also get acquainted with the people those bodies belong to. If you ask them how they feel about their bodies, the chances are they’ll say that social nudity has been a big help in accepting their bodies the way they are. Clearly, this is good for mental health, since one source of self-doubt and self-criticism is eliminated – especially if steps are taken to be careful about physical health.

There are recent scientific studies supporting the idea that participants in naturist activities experience improvements in body image, self-esteem, and life satisfaction.

Clothesfree activities are healthful

The belief that there’s a strong association between nudity and healthful living goes back to the earliest days of naturism, over a century ago. Initially this included other healthful practices, such as seeking fresh air and sunshine, vegetarianism, and abstention from alcohol, tobacco, and addictive drugs. Almost everyone agrees with the healthfulness of sunshine (in moderation) and fresh air. Values of the other things are not as universally recognized, but naturists probably value them more because of greater concerns with physical and mental well-being. It just makes sense that if you enjoy nudity, you’ll want to remain healthy as long as possible to continue enjoying it.

You’ll find many articles on the “health benefits of naturism” if you ask Google to search on that phrase. But there are a few notable reasons.

For one thing, being naked promotes healthy behavior and discourages unhealthy behavior. For instance, you’re more likely to get more exercise, especially if you have exercise equipment like a treadmill or stationary bike where you live. When you’re naked, sweat evaporates more quickly and doesn’t soak any clothes. Or you may choose to practice yoga, which is easier without restrictive clothing. You’re also more likely to eat healthy food (in moderation) instead of junk food in order to keep your body in good shape.

Another reason is that you may spend more time outdoors sunbathing, swimming, or hiking. So you’ll have more exercise options and can produce more Vitamin D and (hopefully) breathe fresh air.

One more reason is that you’ll be happier and less stressed. Stress is harmful in itself, due to bad side effects of excessive cortisol. And being happier leads to more positive attitudes instead of unhealthy behavior like sedentariness or excessive use of alcohol or drugs.

Sleeping naked is healthful and has many other benefits

Sleeping naked is widely recommended for getting better sleep – even if one isn’t a naturist. Among the reasons for this are lower body temperature (especially in the warmest times of the year), and less irritation caused by restrictive clothing.

Better sleep obviously allows you to be more alert and productive during the rest of the day. But more importantly, adequate sleep is a basic human need to maintain good physical health. So inadequate sleep can be phsyically harmful. In fact, chronic sleep deprivation can result in serious problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Here are some good references:

Many articles on the benefits of sleeping naked besides the health aspects will turn up if you Google “benefits of sleeping naked”. Here are some of the best:

The problems of wearing clothes

Although clothes protect you from excessive heat or cold, they also obstruct your skin from the wonderful sensations it’s capable of feeling. Besides that, most clothes are uncomfortable in various ways. They can be too tight and irritate your skin unless they fit just right. But those aren’t the only disadvantage of wearing clothes.

If you’re relatively young and not already independently wealthy, you’ll almost certainly have to work to pay the bills – rent, food, car loan payments, perhaps even repayment of a large college loan, etc. And unless you work mostly at home, you’ll have to wear clothes on the job – another expense. But work usually requires only 8 to 10 hours per day – unless you also need a second job to pay the bills.

Even if you have only one job, what’s the situation at home? Unless you live alone, do any of the people you live with have a problem with nudity? If you’re lucky, and nudity is OK – good for you. Otherwise you’ll probably need to wear clothes much of the time at home too. Or you could live by yourself, and pay all the rent yourself. And what about when you need to go out for any number of reasons – shopping, exercise, entertainment, dating?

For all the reasons just suggested, you’ll probably have to wear clothes most of the time you’re awake. So you’ll experience the disadvantages. You can’t wear the exact same things every day, so you’ll probably need at least a week’s worth of things to wear. That costs money, and you’ll have to wash your clothes once a week, unless you have enough clothes to last for two or more weeks. More expense of both time and money. And clothes tend to wear out or just go out of fashion, so you need to buy more. Further expenses.

So there are a number of problems with wearing clothes almost all your waking hours. Although hardly any naturists can avoid wearing clothes at times, they do have ways to minimize wearing clothes. One option is to be naked at home much of the time. It’s not necessary to live alone either, provided you can find others to live with who won’t mind your nudity. That might even include some of your own family members. Persuading others to let you be clothesfree at home is possible. In case you’re not currently in a long-term relationship, you can try finding people to date who could be potential relationship partners and also not mind nudity, even if they’re not interested in naturism themselves.

And if none of these suggestions work out, naturists still have good ways to enjoy freedom from clothes. If there’s a naturist park or resort nearby, that’s an obvious choice. If you enjoy outdoor activities, there are probably places within a reasonable distance where you can go hiking or camping naked. But perhaps the best approach is to become acquainted with active naturists. You can find them by visiting naturist places (clothing-optional beaches, naturist resorts, naturist Meetup groups, etc.). Once you find some among them who you’re compatible with, they’ll probably welcome you into their own homes for naturist activities.

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