When was the last time you were in the buff? Was it on a nudist beach? Or in a nightmare?
Being completely naked is a fear for most Brits. However, for International Nudity Day, July 14th, we’re looking at what it really means to be naked. From the naturist lifestyle to the benefits of stripping off, this article has all the information you need to know.
- What is Nudity Day?
- What is naturism?
- Is nudity illegal in the UK?
- What are the benefits of being naked?
- What if you’re uncomfortable with nudity?
- The takeaway
Undress, get comfortable and scroll on to find out more.
What is Nudity Day?
Every July 14th is National Nude Day, a day to embrace your body and discard your clothes!
Whether you want to go back to nature or admire the human body, Nudity Day is a great time to break the taboos of being naked. Too often, we shy away from nudity, and this can create self-esteem and body-confidence issues.
Nudity Day provides a great chance to address these concerns and appreciate body diversity. All bodies are beautiful in their natural state, but we’re not always exposed to natural bodies. This can be difficult if your body looks different from those in films and TV.
Seeing normal nude bodies or taking time to honour your own is a great way to enjoy National Nudity Day.
Do I have to get naked on Nudity Day?
Of course not! You never have to do anything that makes you uncomfortable. Plus, showing up to your work in the nude might not go down so well.
Nudity Day can instead serve as a time to reflect and think about nudity. Or to enjoy some other people’s nudes! The day is what you make of it.
What is naturism?
Naturism (or nudism) is a lifestyle choice of non-sexual nudity in normal life. Simply put, for naturists, every day is nudity day.
For some naturists, they just embrace nudity at home in private. However, for others it’s a public lifestyle. Again, this isn’t possible in the general public. But there are official naturist venues and societies where being naked is the norm. For example, with British Naturism.
Is naturism sexual?
This is one of the biggest questions naturists face, and it makes sense. For most of the population, nudity and sex go hand in hand.
Naturists aim to de-eroticize the naked body. This means they don’t objectify anyone’s natural form and instead focus on creating a non-sexual atmosphere. The main aim of going naked is to feel free and build confidence – not to get off on it.
Naturally, naturist groups attract attention from those who find it sexual. Each group or community will have rules in place to deal with unwanted sexual attention.
On the other hand, there are naturist communities that do have swingers or sexual events. But these will be explicitly described and won’t be left to suggestion. So, if you’re not sure if the naturist event is sexual, it’s safer to assume that it’s not.
Is nudity illegal in the UK?
So, you’re curious about stripping off and celebrating your own body. But what does the law say?
Technically, ‘nudity’ isn’t an offence in UK law. It becomes an offence if it can be proved that you disrobed off to cause shock or upset. The Crown Prosecution Service states: “a balance needs to be struck between the naturist’s right to freedom of expression and the right of the wider public to be protected from harassment, alarm, and distress“.
When in doubt, keep your nudity to private places, designated nudist areas, or naturist venues.
What are the benefits of being naked?
Whether enjoying the sun on your skin or starting a self-love journey, being naked has plenty of physical and emotional benefits. Here are some of the reasons people prefer being in their birthday suits.
1. Improved self-esteem
Spending more time naked helps you accept your body as it is. This is especially powerful if you join a community of naturists, as being fully nude in front of strangers is something most people have nightmares about.
Higher self-esteem can lead to better mental health, more confidence in one’s work life and relationships, and plenty of other tangible benefits.
2. More vitamin D
The sun is the best source of vitamin D. Spending time outside in the nude helps you absorb more vitamin D, which strengthens your immune system and bones.
Don’t skip the SPF, though! Skin damage and cancer are significant risks you can’t ignore. Stay in the shade or use some sun cream when the UV index is high.
3. Freedom
Once you get past the fears of nudity, you’ll experience how liberating being naked truly is. From the physical freedom of feeling the breeze on your skin to the emotional vulnerability of seeing yourself, it’s a unique experience everyone should try once.
4. Improved sleep
Sleeping without pyjamas is another way you can boost your health. Removing your clothes before bed helps your core temperature cool faster. This leads to a better night of rest.
However, practise personal hygiene before you hop between the sheets.
5. Happiness
A study from Goldsmiths University of London states that taking part in naturist activities can help us become more satisfied. This newfound satisfaction wasn’t only with participants’ body image, it also extended to their lives.
6. Laundry
Finally, you’ll have easier laundry days! The more time you spend nude, the less you’ll spend hanging up your washing.
What if you’re uncomfortable with nudity?
If you’re uncomfortable with being naked, you’re not alone. In fact, you’re likely among the majority of people.
In extreme cases, the discomfort of nudity becomes gymnophobia – a genuine fear of the naked human body. This can manifest in never being naked, being unable to change in locker rooms, or having sex with the lights off.
Sex therapists and counsellors provide the best treatment for those with gymnophobia. If your discomfort with nudity is affecting your daily life and ability to start relationships, you might want to address it with a professional.
The takeaway
Will you be undressing on July 14th? Hopefully, this blog has opened your mind to a new way of living. Remember, it’s okay if naturism isn’t for you! You can build body confidence and appreciate the human form without joining a dedicated community or visiting a nude beach. Never push yourself past your boundaries.
Read more about sex and relationships on the Vivastreet blog.
