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Discover when and where you can practice naturism
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Nudism involves practicing nudity in private and public, and advocates for living in harmony with nature and embracing your body. There are tons of advantages to this lifestyle, including better sleep and improved self-confidence, and it can feel extremely exciting and liberating. In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about the nudist movement, including what it is, ways and places to practice it, and how to increase your comfort around nudity in general.
Naturism: What It Is & How to Practice It
Naturism (also called nudism) is the lifestyle of practicing non-sexual nudity in private and public. It’s all about returning to your natural state and living in harmony with nature. To practice naturism, you can sleep or walk around your home naked, visit a nudist beach or resort, or take a nudist holiday.
Steps
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Sleep naked. Not topless or in your underwear, completely naked. Research shows that sleeping naked keeps you cooler, which can promote relaxation and improve the quality of your sleep. [1] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source On warm nights, strip down to let your body breathe and get a good night’s sleep.
- Try opening a window near your bed (keeping the blinds closed) to let a breeze in. Remember that part of being a naturist is to feel closer to the natural world.
- If you find sleeping naked difficult, work your way up to it. Shed one piece of clothing, such as your pajama top or shorts, and when you’re accustomed to sleeping without that, shed the next piece, and so on until you’re sleeping nude.
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Spend as much time as you can around the house naked. Stay naked after a shower. Towel dry and go about the rest of your routine naked. Advance to being naked while you’re eating, while you’re cleaning, and especially while you’re relaxing, be it in front of the TV, with a good book or sunning in your backyard.
- If you exercise at home, do it naked, unless it's uncomfortable not to wear a sports bra.
- Remember to respect others' boundaries when it comes to nudity. When you're naked in your house, keep the blinds and curtains closed, and stay away from windows that can’t be blocked. Don't sunbathe nude in the yard unless you have a high privacy fence.
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Talk to your partner about nudism. Being naked in a nonsexual way with your partner may take your intimacy to the next level, plus it means you'll be able to stay naked when they are in the house. Discuss whether this is something you could explore together. If your partner isn't into it, ask if they would be comfortable with you doing it by yourself.
- Not everyone feels the same way about being naked, and that’s okay too. Acknowledge your partner’s opinion and remain calm so you can maintain an open discussion.
- You could say, “Would it be okay if I started wearing fewer clothes around the house?” or “I just discovered that there are tons of health benefits of being naked. Do you want to join me?” As long as you don’t treat nudity as something that is sexual or profane, there isn’t any reason to feel shame when you or your partner aren’t wearing clothes. [2] X Research source
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Locate a nudist community. Many towns have resorts that are specifically designated for practicing nudists. Just search “local nudist communities” on Google to see if there’s one near you. By joining a nudist community, you’ll be free to roam around at will without fear of judgment or legal repercussions. You can hang out with other nudists, ask them questions, and gain insight into their way of life.
- Remember to be polite toward other nudists. It takes courage to be naked in front of others, so there’s no room for harassment or ridicule.
- If you’re in the United States or Canada, you can join the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) or The Naturist Society (TNS) for more information.
- Be sure you know the rules and expectations of the community before visiting. Some encourage sex, so you want to be aware of whether that's something you want to experience.
- Don’t let feelings of inadequacy stop you from going. Once you visit a nudist community, you’ll realize that everyone isn’t worrying about their bodies, or yours, and they’re simply there to enjoy the pleasure of naturism in a friendly environment. [3] X Research source
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Find a nudist beach or resort. Nudist beaches and resorts are perfect for practicing nudism outdoors, and you usually don’t have to purchase a membership or pay a hefty amount to visit one. Just search “local nudist beach” or “local nudist resort” online to see if there’s one near you, and check the rules before you go. Some typical nudist rules and etiquette include: [4] X Research source
- Drink alcohol in moderation.
- Do not wear lingerie, underwear, or suggestive attire.
- Do not wear swimsuits or clothing in pools or hot tubs.
- Do not approach or play with children you do not know.
- Carry a towel with you at all times and always sit on it for sanitary reasons.
- Do not use cameras in public areas or photograph anyone without permission.
- Do not engage in sexually suggestive behavior, including dancing and displays of affection.
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Take a nudist holiday. Plan your next vacation for somewhere like the South of France or Australia’s Lady Bay Beach, where nudity is not only permitted but encouraged. [5] X Research source You’ll save room in your suitcase by not having to pack a swimsuit, and by the time you leave, you’ll have the most even tan of your life. Just don’t forget to apply sunscreen!
- If these locations are too far away, you might be able to find clothing-optional resorts, natural mountain hot springs for nude soaking, and skinny-dipping spots near you. Just run a quick Google search to see your options!
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Continue to be naked whenever you can. Check out your local laws regarding being topless in public, including at parks, swimming pools and at the beach. Likewise, you can participate in one of the fun naked bike rides that take place all over the world. Go nude where it is appropriate to improve your self-confidence and experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
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Recognize that nudity is natural. We are born naked and it is our natural state. Clothing keeps us warm and is often necessary to wear in public, but that doesn't mean it needs to be worn at all times. There's a time for letting your natural self just be . Imagine the freedom that will come with feeling the air and sun touch your skin everywhere, not just places that are normally exposed.
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Get to know the purpose of nudism. Nudism, also called naturism, is more than the simple act of being nude—it's also about getting closer to nature. In your natural state, there are no boundaries between yourself and the natural world. How freeing and exhilarating would it feel to lie naked on the beach, or under a tree, one with the natural world and comfortable in your own skin? Many people choose naturism to reach this particular height of happiness.
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Understand that nudity isn't always sexual. Yes, people have sex naked, but nudity itself does not have to be sexual. Revealing clothing is often more sexually suggestive than being totally naked, since it leaves more to the imagination. If you're worried that becoming a naturist means you're opening yourself up to unwanted sexual encounters, know that for many naturists, it's about being free and natural, not lecherous. [6] X Research source
- Being a naturist is not about having public sex or exposing yourself to others. Many naturists are modest people who choose naturism for the above reasons, and not in order to sexually connect with people.
- That said, nudity can be pleasing to the senses in a sexual way. The feel of air or water flowing uninterrupted across your entire body awakens the senses and may be arousing. This is healthy and natural, and you should not feel ashamed to have or explore these sexual feelings. [7] X Research source Suppressing your feelings is unhealthy in general, and suppressing sexual feelings in the context of naturism negates the healthy benefits of a naturist lifestyle.
Community Q&A
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QuestionOverall, are most nudists happy to be around a less than stellar physique?Community AnswerYes, most nude friendly environments are very non-judgemental. Bodies come in infinite shapes and sizes, and nudists are all about embracing them all.
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QuestionWhat if I have a dog?Community AnswerYour dog doesn't care if you're naked or not.
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QuestionI am single male and have not had a girlfriend. How could I tell a female friend about my experience in nudism?HooliehopCommunity AnswerJust be honest with her. If she is a friend she will understand. If she seems uncomfortable with the conversation, change the subject.
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Tips
- Before going to nude event, try going for a nude walk outside. It will help you understand what will happen to your body if it's your first time.Thanks
- Engage with nudist community forums online. These can be great resources for people who want to discuss the life of a naturist and swap information on good naturist destinations.Thanks
- If you live with other people, make sure they’re comfortable with the idea of you being naked and ask for their permission directly. Remember that their boundaries can change over time, and they might not be okay with you being nude in a few weeks or months. If this occurs, respect their decision and restrict your nudity to the privacy of your room.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- If you live with your parents, get their permission before you strip down. If they disagree with your decision, acknowledge their response and emphasize that nudity is natural. You could also remind them that you don’t take issue with the ways that they choose to unwind so they should be considerate of yours.
- Know that some people won't agree with your choices and that they cannot stop you. Nudism is about setting your spirit free, so remind yourself that no one can dim your light!
- If you’re worried about someone walking in on you while you're at home, practice nudity when everyone in your household is asleep or when they're running errands outside.
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Warnings
- Avoid cooking naked. It’s much easier to get burned, and it can be difficult to treat burns to the genital and posterior regions.Thanks
- If you want to be nude around visitors, always ask for their permission directly before stripping off your clothes.Thanks
- Most countries have strict laws about nudity, and you may even be charged if your neighbor sees you naked inside your home. [8] X Research source Familiarize yourself with local and state laws regarding public nudity so you don’t get in trouble!Thanks
References
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/will-sleeping-naked-help-you-sleep-better
- ↑ https://aanrwest.org/component/content/article/12-benefits-of-nudism?catid=2&Itemid=101
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/million-meals/201202/the-un-erotic-glories-nudity
- ↑ https://www.cypresscoveresort.com/first-time/nudist-etiquette-rules/
- ↑ https://visitworld.today/blog/2181/rating-of-the-best-nudist-beaches-in-the-world#the-naked-truth-the-best-nude-beaches-in-the-world
- ↑ https://www.self.com/story/what-its-like-to-be-a-naturist
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-truth-about-exercise-addiction/202212/suppressing-emotions-can-harm-you-heres-what-to-do
- ↑ https://www.hg.org/legal-articles/indecent-exposure-can-i-be-charged-if-i-am-naked-in-my-own-home-52610
About This Article
Article Summary
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If you’re interested in becoming a nudist, start by finding ways to get comfortable with being naked at home. Start small by sleeping naked, which will help you relax and get a better night's sleep. If you find it hard to sleep nude, work your way up to it by shedding 1 piece of clothing at a time over several days or weeks. Additionally, spend as much time as you can around your house naked, including eating, cleaning, and relaxing nude. Once you’re comfortable being nude in your home, do an online search to find a local nudist community. Before going, read up on their rules and expectations. To learn how to check local laws on being topless in public, keep reading!
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Reader Success Stories
- "I have always preferred being nude and always wished I could be nude more often. However, I always felt guilty about this and thought something was wrong with me because I just couldn't dismiss these feelings. Your article has confirmed nudity is normal." ..." more
"I have always preferred being nude and always wished I could be nude more often. However, I always felt guilty about this and thought something was wrong with me because I just couldn't dismiss these feelings. Your article has confirmed nudity is normal."
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"Thanks for providing this information. Some folks are really uptight about nudity. Some may even think it is sinful. Then there are the body image issues. Look forward to a time when we can be free of the constraints that society imposes."
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"I read this article because I was curious about nudism. I followed each step, and I have now been a nudist for 4 years and am still delighted. I wish I had discovered nudism years ago. Thank you so much! This was the perfect introduction."
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"It helps me know more about sleeping and relaxing naked in my home and being comfortable with my nudity. Maybe I can find someone to visit me at home to hang around naked with and help feel comfortable. Thanks, guys!"
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"I love not wearing clothes. My wife and I were hoping to go to a naturist beach, but never got around to it. Now I'm on my own and thought I would not be able to do it. Reading through this helped, thank you. "
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