Benefits of Naturism - Part 1: Health & Self Esteem

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 sun burn 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’.

Make sure you "stay tuned" for Part 2 where we will talk more about the benefits of naturism - lifestyle, freedom and family.

First...A Little Background...

According to online sources the word 'naturism' was used for the first time in 1778 by a French-speaking Belgian, Jean Baptiste Luc Planchon (1734–1781). The word was advocated as a means of improving the 'l’hygiène de vie' or 'natural style of life' and health.

The New Zealand Naturist Federation brings you information about the 'natural style of life', locations where you can enjoy the lifestyle, upcoming events, and news of happenings around the country.

Naturism is a lifestyle choice based on the International Naturist Federation (INF-FNI) definition: 
"Naturism is a way of life in harmony with nature, expressed through social nudity, linked to self-respect, tolerance of differing views together with respect for the environment".

  

Nude recreation - or even just doing normal daily things around the house naked - helps your body to relax quicker. It's almost symbolic - when your clothes come off, so do many of the icons and images associated with the 'daily drudge'! Our bodies were not designed to be almost entirely wrapped in clothing, subjected to artificial light, heat or air-conditioning for endless hours.

Thousands of regular New Zealanders (and millions around the world) have discovered the fantastic feeling of freedom from these things - the feeling of the breeze and sunlight on your skin, the relief of stress and anxiety - resulting in increased self confidence and also physical, possibly even mental, health.

Anyone can be a naturist - any race, age, shape, or background. Religion, political views, profession - none of these things are relevant - nudists come from all walks of life.

The NZNF promotes the naturist way of life throughout New Zealand with an emphasis on nude recreation being a wholesome activity for the whole family. Many families (3 generations in a lot of cases) enjoy the nudist lifestyle throughout New Zealand.

Around our beautiful country there are 17 landed member based naturist clubs; 7 naturist parks or homestays; and 3 nationwide membership organisations. There are also many beaches that, while not officially classified as nude beaches, are are recognised as clothing-optional beaches through historic use. 

Whether you are already a social nudist, a private nudist, a late night skinny-dipper or even just beginning to discover this way of life, we want to help you explore the enjoyment of clothes-free recreation and the wholesome fun of being who you truly are.

Do you have more questions about the naturist lifestyle? Keep following our blog as we will continue our journey or go to our website Naturism FAQ or Benefits of Naturism pages.

Discover the World of Nude Recreation

Remember as a young child...the seemingly endless days of summer; the sprinkler going in the backyard; off come your clothes; the squeals of delight as you run through the water; jumping in the puddles; the feel of water, sun and breeze on your bare skin; the innocent fun and pure joy?

Maybe now as an adult...you dress at the last minute before leaving home; enjoying the lasting warmth of the shower; the kiss of air against your skin; lingering for as long as possible; the blissful feeling of being free from entrapments and stress? 

Perhaps you have enjoyed a late night skinny-dip at the beach or taken advantage of a secluded spot at the river and gone for a quick swim or lie in the sun? 

If any of these brings a smile to your face or a nod of acknowledgement, then possibly you're ready to take the next step and discover the world of nude recreation.

The warmer weather is beginning. We're becoming more willing to step away from the soothing comfort of our heaters and wanting to soak up each and every ray the sun sends - getting even closer to those rays by stripping the layers of clothing back to bare skin. Yes, the time feels right for nude recreation to be front of our minds again. 

Over the next few weeks we are going to take you on a journey. We will explain what naturism and social nudity is about and what it could be for you; show you the benefits for your body and your mind; and answer some of your questions and hopefully address any concerns. 

So, if you're a new or "interested" naturist we hope to open up a new world to your minds - a world of respect and equality, of innocent joy and freedom. And if you're already a naturist, we hope you are reminded of just how wonderful your lifestyle is and you experience a renewed enthusiasm and delight.

So follow our blog - there will be another post in a couple of days - and discover the world of nude recreation.

There's all sorts of information on our website http://gonatural.co.nz/

Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness

MEDIA RELEASE October 10th, 2013:
Breast cancer is a serious issue being faced by New Zealand women, and men, of all ages on a daily basis. These are our mothers; grandmothers; our aunties; friends and our daughters - and 7 of them will receive the shocking news of a diagnosis today, tomorrow and every day.

A serious issue requires a serious message - and some serious images.

Recently a television advertisement screened in Scotland showing women’s breasts and nipples illustrating that a lump is not the only indication of breast cancer. This graphic advert resulted in a 50 percent rise in the number of woman contacting their GP about this disease and getting checked.

The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation were advised not to create a similar advert for New Zealand as it would breach standards of decency for television advertising – and be relegated to a late evening time slot.

Nipples are not indecent. They are natural, common to both men and women, and not something secret or dirty. We allow our children to watch daytime and early evening TV with advertisements where men model jeans or underpants topless.

The New ZealandNaturist Federation promotes health and well-being.

We commend and support the efforts and successes of the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation in educating men and women of our country about the signs of the disease; in supporting those affected by the disease; and their continued work in finding better treatment and greater survival from the disease.

The NZNF believe, and results overseas confirm, the most effective method for portraying the seriousness of this disease is through a visually hard-hitting and thought-provoking advertisement campaign.

A serious issue requires a serious message - and some serious images.

Nipples are not indecent and an advertisement that warned and tried to protect the women we love and respect should be screened at any time, anywhere.

Clubs, Naturist Parks and Organisations Around NZ

We've created a Kiwi-style (trying to be "arty") impression of where clubs are around the country. 

Go to: http://gonatural.co.nz/uploads/images/Club%20Map.pdf 

to get the interactive map.

They're not exact locations so please do not set your GPS to it but mostly they're in the right general direction. 

The exception are the three national organisations (Free Beaches NZ Inc, NZ Nudvan Club and NZ Naturists) which we've added to the South Island because it's the larger island and has fewer locations. 

You will be directed to the club/organisation website when you click on a name. 

Go to http://gonatural.co.nz/uploads/images/Club%20Map.pdf 

to get the interactive map.

The Young Ones!

For a while now, it has been my desire and ambition to speak to young New Zealand naturists and to get our youth involved in naturism.

But how do I, a 40-something person, do this? I feel young - some might say I even look young - but I am not young and that's how the youth or young people view me.

It must be a big priority for other federations around the world currently too because as I researched for this piece, I found that the INF have just held a Workshop on Youth in Naturism in the past weekend, and this coming weekend the AANR are holding a Young Nudist Leaders Summit! So this is exciting...I just might be able to glean some information from those workshops, tailor it for the Kiwi youth, and begin to make a meaningful difference to young naturists here.

I became a naturist in my late 30s. But I do believe it was something that interested me way before I became a participant. If I could tell my younger self something...anything!...that would help me in my middle years...it would be "you don't have to wait 20 years to become a naturist"!

We all know that young people love to have fun - we used to love having fun too! They've had less time in their lives to become involved in, or cluttered by, social and community structures which discourage nudity, and because they have fewer taboos they are more inclined to try new or different things. They love doing daring things and sometimes that includes nudity in public - it might be skinny-dipping or nude rugby! Sure, they might start doing it for a laugh but you can guarantee that for a few it's something quite freeing and they do actually 'get' it. So, back to my question...

Why do more youth not embrace our different, perhaps even 'daring', lifestyle:

• Perhaps it's money, or lack of it. 
• Perhaps it's a case of 'antidisestablishmentarism' - maybe young people don't like belonging to a club because of rules and guidelines and youth are trying to make their own way by their own rules?
• Perhaps they have looked into it but our marketing hasn't captured them as young people - they perceive that it's for older people or families?
• Perhaps they've visited a club and found no one their age there?

Perhaps a little of all of these are true. However here are some counter arguments to the above list:

• We can make our membership prices for youth much cheaper than an adult - if they aren't already. And what's wrong with allowing them to have day visits without a long-term commitment? 
• Perhaps we can't change the nature of a young person, but we can show them that the rules and guidelines are to provide a safe environment for them and so that respect is shown to everyone - they're not there to dampen or be a kill-joy.
• By asking these questions we are trying to find out what what will "speak" to young people specifically - what engages them and what doesn't - then we can improve our appeal to them.
• Well, this would change around when our marketing was more appealing.

I believe there is a genuine willingness amongst the younger crowd to indulge in nude recreation. They participate with their friends in streaking, skinny-dipping and politically driven nude bike rides. 

Here are a few ideas that might make naturism more appealing and acceptable to young people:

• The words "nude recreation" should be used more. Most of our clubs offer miniten, swimming, and volleyball - these are recreational activities that young people enjoy. They like to be active to have fun with friends. 
• What's wrong with accepting them, welcoming them as you would a new member and including them in activities, without the expectation they will become members? The word naturism could imply an alternative lifestyle or conjure images of a nudist colony - young people don't want a change in lifestyle, they just want to have fun and to let their hair down from time to time. 
• We need to change our attitudes to young people when they do visit our clubs. They have piercings and tattoos - some in places that might seem strange to us. Talk to them, include them - don't view them with suspicion from afar.    
• We need an updated image that appeals to younger people. Images showing families with children playing or older couples walking along the beach are not going to appeal to where a young person is now. Images should be relevant, showing examples of nude recreation and also having a relevance to body acceptance and an expression of freedom.
• Similar to other federations around the world, we could start a Young Naturists group. The co-ordinator of this group would be young themselves (25 years of age or under), energetic and enthusiastic, and able to communicate well to young ones around the country and to organise gatherings and activities.  

These are but a few ideas. But it's a start, something to work on and to grow to something tangible. Hopefully more practical ideas will come out of the workshops and forums currently being held overseas. 

So expect to see this as a continuing theme. Join in the journey with us! Help by sharing your thoughts and knowledge of young people. If you're a young person, your insights would be invaluable in putting a strategy together.

Our website is: http://gonatural.co.nz/ and you can contact me by email at: nznf.pro@gonatural.co.nz

Spot the Difference

I often write articles about inviting or attracting new members to your club or location. Spring is a time of new beginnings and of getting things in shape, so this time I want to write about you – about getting yourself ready for enjoying another beautiful summer.

We talk about the benefits of naturism – which are definitely wide and varied…the blissful feeling of the sun on our skin; the many health benefits both mental and physical through maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D.  

But there is another element that we cannot afford to ignore.

Along with our normal annual health checkups, as naturists there is something that we should definitely never overlook…a mole or skin check.

As children and teenagers we have all been exposed, possibly even unprotected, to strong sun resulting in sunburn. This and also our wonderful clothes-free lifestyle involving frequent activities outdoors, increase our risk of developing Melanoma or other forms of skin cancer.

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in New Zealand and two out of three of us will develop it. Basal and squamous cell carcinomas are the two most common forms of skin cancer and are completely curable and treatable by medical practitioners when caught early. 

As part of your early detection plan, I would highly recommend having a regular mole check performed by your GP or even better still a trained Dermatologist like a Molecheck or MoleMap clinic.

A suggestion for clubs could be to organise a Dermatologist to attend an open/visitors day and do spot checks for a period of time. It also might be possible to arrange a discounted rate for members of your club at the closest clinic.

My husband and I have just had our mole check for the year. We received a health voucher from our medical insurance provider so decided to put it towards that. While we keep an eye on each other’s skin and try to recognise any changes that occur, seeking the opinion of a professional Dermatologist gives you the peace of mind and they advise the particular spots (if any) they’d like to keep an eye on. 

So, while it is cooler out there and while we’re not spending every moment available enjoying nude recreation to the same extent, why not get yourself a thorough check up all over and…spot the difference.