Through Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 we will discuss how Naturism can have a positive effect our mental health. Mental health challenges often run deep, are complicated and we shouldn’t pretend that Naturism is a magic solution for all our problems. However, Naturism is a cheap and simple way to take a step in the right direction. Research has shown that spending even short periods of times naked with others improves body appreciation and reduces social anxiety, while ongoing participation in Naturism leads to long-term positive body image and higher self-esteem.
The theme of Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 is “Movement”. Movement and exercise are crucial for our mental health, but so many of us struggle to move enough. Exercise has been a central feature of Naturism since the philosophy first existed. Indeed, the word “gymnasium” derives from the Ancient Greek word “gymnos” meaning naked or nude. These days there are many ways to exercise naked. Many naked swims are held every week around the country, and you can find many opportunities on the Great British Skinning Dip website if you want to give it a try. Many other sports take place at clubs and events and include badminton, volleyball, rounders, squash, petanque, and miniten. If you want to try naked sport for the first time there are lots of opportunities at our summer festivals such as Nudefest and EveryBody. Finally, naked hiking or “free hiking” is the cheapest thing you can possibly do and British Naturism members will be organising many walks through the summer.
Naturism can have a positive effect and make your life that little bit better, we hope you give it a try.