For Health and Well-being...

Last weekend I completed a Half Marathon - my 7th in fact in as many years.

I am not a naturally sporty person and my time was no amazing feat. I am just a middle aged woman who is trying to look after herself and do something that challenges and stretches me, but that also isn't out of the realms of possibility. I walk my half marathons, I don't attempt to run them - even though many people well in advanced of my age do and good on them. 

Another thing I do for my physical health and well-being is get as much vitamin D as possible via sunshine while doing my normal daily activities - such as gardening or housework - while unclothed.

I am lucky because I can do some of my training walking around the roads of the naturist club that my husband and I belong to. It can get a bit repetitive and boring doing a number of the same 1.25km circuits, but it ticks both boxes - training and clothes-free recreation.

With my recent training, I have had the New Zealand Naturist Federation tag-line going over and over in my head..."For Health and Well-being"!

My body and mind benefit in so many ways - apart from the obvious.

• I feel the breeze and sunlight on my skin - this frees my mind and makes me exhale and breathe out the stresses and concerns I've been holding on to;
• I hear the birds chirping happily and see growth on the trees - this brings me close to nature and gives me an appreciation and respect for the circle of life;
• I feel the freedom and release of not being trapped or bound by clothes - while I still have a purpose and am driven to achieve, I am liberated by the options and choices I can make;
• A contentment washes over me - I am me, and I like me; I am blessed, and I am grateful;

Now I am not suggesting that everyone needs to get training for a half marathon. I am merely sharing some of the physical benefits that I've experienced to my health and well-being.

You could garden in the nude, do housework in the nude or even do your work-outs in the nude on your home equipment. 

Photo credit: Jeff Norman

Used with permission by the NZNF

In fact, did you know that the word "gymnasium" comes from the latinisation of the Greek word gymnos which means "naked", and in essence means "to train naked".

Even if you have physical challenges or limitations I believe there are many things you can do without clothes that will benefit your body and physical well-being.

So, whether working out, tidying up, or enjoying some well-earned downtime, why not consider doing it clothes-free...for your health and well-being.

Just give it a try...

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 . . .

To say life is busy is an understatement - it can be downright hectic even overwhelming at times. Work and leisure pull us several ways at once demanding every bit of energy and offering little or no respite or reward in return.

How recently have you just wanted to shake off the burdens and pressures of life, throw caution to the wind and experience that real freedom and pure innocent joy, of life as a child again?

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 and topless lie in the sun?

Naturism, nudism, skinny-dipping! It might have many names but just one meaning…non-sexual nudity and nude recreation!

You can shed the stresses of life, along with your clothes, and experience the many benefits of naturism which are wide and varied. From physical and mental health benefits; to therapy, stress release, pure freedom, and a sense of well-being; along with increased confidence and self esteem and also a connection with nature and natural vitamin D.

"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”.  

- International Naturist Federation 

The New Zealand Naturist Federation aims to promote nude recreation and non-sexual nudity as a healthy, natural and freeing lifestyle.

You do not have to be a member of any organisation to be a naturist. You could start around your home - gardening nude in the backyard if it's private or vacuuming inside without clothes...you're going to get warm anyway! 

But there are three options available if you do want to join an existing NZNF affiliated organisation and experience naturism with like minded people: 

• Free Beaches NZ Inc - No, it’s not illegal. All around our country are many recognised clothes free/optional beaches, rivers, and hot springs where you can relax or throw a frisby without clothes. Have you experienced the benefits and pleasures of sunlight, air and water on your whole body - in the wide expanse of nature? Free Beaches New Zealand Inc is the society which exists in order to defend the rights of skinny-dippers, beach naturists and all people who love to “go natural” in the great outdoors.  

• NZ Naturists - Is a group administered by the NZNF for people who want to experience the freedom of nude recreation but may not be ready to join a club or there isn't one close by. Members receive a quarterly newsletter advising events around the country and a subscription to gonatural magazine. A NZNF membership card with INF sticker introduces you to naturist clubs around NZ and the world. 

• NZNF Clubs - Around the country there are 17 NZNF affiliated clubs which have their own grounds, facilities and often accommodation. Many have courts for volleyball, miniten - a smaller version of tennis - swimming pools and spas. Social and sporting events are regularly scheduled at clubs and facilities like a clubhouse mean you can go indoors when the weather is bad. To visit a club, you can contact them via links on our website.

For more information on naturism in New Zealand, or answers to questions you might have, go to the FAQ Page on our website or contact us at info@gonatural.co.nz.

So this summer, whether at home, at a beach or a club...just give it a try! You will not be disappointed with how set free and wonderful you feel.