This article was co-authored by Kamila Tan. Kamila Tan is a Recovery Coach, former Division I Collegiate Athlete, Inspirational Speaker, and Mental Health Advocate. She is the Founder of Embracing Strength LLC, a coaching business with the mission to provide support for athletes recovering from disordered eating and body image issues and provide support for their families. Kamila informs her work helping athletes pursue recovery with her experience playing beach volleyball as a Division I NCAA collegiate athlete. Kamila holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master of Public Health from the University of California at Los Angeles, and is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California.
There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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Though the thought of open nudity may be anxiety-inducing to some people, to others it can be quite a liberating experience. There’s nothing shameful or immoral about going naked—as long as you do it the right way. If you’re thinking about ditching your clothes (and your inhibitions), it will be helpful to know how to go about it without encountering legal trouble or potentially embarrassing situations. For starters, you should learn to feel good about your body, work up slowly to stepping outside in your natural state and only expose yourself in places where you won’t be seen by others.
Steps
Getting Used to Being Naked
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1Get comfortable with your body. Most people aren’t used to seeing themselves naked. In order to work up the courage to go uncovered outdoors, you first have to be confident in the way you look and feel. Take some time to get reacquainted with yourself in your most natural state, without judgment or self-consciousness.[1]
- Learn to love and accept your body. Everyone is made differently, and there’s no reason to be ashamed of the way you look.
- Don’t rush yourself. It may take weeks, months or even years to get accustomed to going nude.[2]
- It may sound simple, but it can help to give your body a hug when you're naked, as a way of embracing yourself and all that you are. Remember all the wonderful things your body does for you, like sustaining you as you walk, play, run, make meals, give birth, rescue someone, lift weights, and so on.
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2Spend more time in the nude. If you’re not used to going without clothes, it may feel strange at first. Take your time and build up to a level of nudity you’re comfortable with. You might walk to the bathroom naked to take your morning shower, or take a little longer before getting dressed after you’re finished.[3]
- Learn to be more relaxed about nudity by gradually wearing fewer clothes. If you usually lounge around in sweatpants and a t-shirt, try switching to shorts and a tank top.
- Once you get over the initial feeling of vulnerability, you may find nakedness to be very freeing.
- When looking at yourself naked in the mirror, focus on what is good, not the parts you feel insecure about. Shift to an attitude of gratitude toward all the amazing things your body does for you instead.
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4Go naked around the house. Perform routine tasks like making breakfast, reading the paper or answering your emails in the buff. Before long, you’ll begin to associate nudity with everyday activities and it will be less intimidating. And since you’ll be in the privacy of your own home, you can concentrate on relaxing and enjoying the feeling of freedom.[6]
- This is only recommended for people who live alone, as it’s inappropriate to force others to see you without clothes.
- Make sure the blinds are closed and the curtains are drawn so that others nearby don’t get an unwanted eyeful.
Going Naked Outside
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1Be aware of the legal and social concerns. Before you put yourself on display for the world to see, you should make an effort to learn a little bit about the laws in your area related to public nudity. Even if it’s not illegal to be naked out in the open where you live, it may be considered lewd by those around you. Knowing the risks will keep you from getting yourself into trouble or accidentally offending someone.[7]
- It’s not a good idea to go nude outside in public areas, especially if there are families or children nearby.[8]
- Should you decide to practice nudity outside, you should be ready to accept whatever consequences come your way.
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2Confine yourself to private areas. Don’t venture too far from your home right away. Instead, stick to spots that are out of sight from the neighbors, like a screened-in porch or behind a tall fence or hedge. This will allow you to remain hidden while you take your first steps beyond your living space.[9]
- Enjoying a nude romp may be difficult if you live in an apartment or a crowded neighborhood that doesn’t allow much privacy.
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3Wait until night time. Going out when it’s dark will give you a chance to move further out into the open without fear of being seen. And, even if you are spotted, it won’t be as obvious what you’re doing. For most people, this will be a great way to take the plunge and go fully naked outside of their home for the first time.
- To avoid any awkward situations, it will be safest to go out during the early morning hours when everyone else is asleep.
- Stay away from streetlights, floodlights, passing cars or anything else that may make you plainly visible.
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4Go naked outside at your leisure. Once you’re totally at ease, you can start soaking in the great outdoors in all your natural glory. Embracing nudity is all about innocence and freedom from shame. You’ll feel much more in touch with the world around you when you let go of social norms and return to the way man was meant to be.
- Take care of your gardening or practice yoga without the burden of hot, restrictive clothing.
- Remember to keep yourself concealed from neighbors and passersby as much as possible. If you get reported, you’ll have a tough time explaining yourself.[10]
Finding Suitable Places to Be Naked
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1Stick to your own property. You generally have a right to do whatever you please in the place you call home, as long as you’re not hurting anyone else. That means there’s no better place to shed your clothes than your own backyard. If you have enough well-screened space, you might even be able to do some sunbathing or go for a pleasant stroll.[11]
- A wooded grove or field set far back from the road can make a perfect place to strut your stuff.
- In most countries, it’s almost always against the law to be in public places, like the park or the local convenience store, without clothing.
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2Visit a nudist colony. There, you’ll be free to roam around at will without fear of judgment or legal repercussions. Hang out with other nudists so you can ask questions and gain insight into their way of life. They may even be able to offer you useful pointers on how to go naked in more places and situations.[12]
- Many towns have resorts that are specifically designated for practicing nudists. Run a quick internet search to see if there’s one of these sites near you.
- Be polite toward nudists. It takes courage to be naked in front of others, so there’s no room for harassment or ridicule.[13]
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3Take a trip to a nude beach. Plan your next vacation for somewhere like the South of France or Australia’s Samurai Beach, where nudity is not only permitted but encouraged. 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 bring sunscreen![14]
- Nude beaches can be found on almost every major continent, and may be worth the trip if you have a desire to bear it all somewhere more interesting than your backyard.[15]
- Be certain that your destination allows public nudity before you strip down.
Community Q&A
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QuestionShould all pubic hair be shaved when going out naked?Community AnswerIt is entirely up to you, and really doesn't matter.
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QuestionCan I be naked in school, like in a bathroom or places where no one is?WritingismypassionCommunity AnswerNo. Unless you're changing or actually using the washroom, you shouldn't, as you could be expelled. Not to mention that even in empty areas security cameras are likely watching you.
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QuestionCould I be naked when my family is sleeping?Community AnswerI don't see why not, just be careful that you don't get caught if you think you'd get in trouble. People do wake up, after all.
Warnings
- Don’t force your nudity on other people. It’s your choice, not theirs.⧼thumbs_response⧽
- Removing your clothes at the wrong place and time can land you in jail. Use good judgment to decide when and where it’s acceptable to be naked.⧼thumbs_response⧽
- Exposing your body to the elements can put you at greater risk of illness or injury.⧼thumbs_response⧽
References
- ↑ http://www.thefrisky.com/2012-04-09/8-reasons-you-should-be-naked-more-often/
- ↑ https://tinybuddha.com/blog/how-to-feel-comfortable-in-your-own-skin/
- ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/molly-napolitano/5-ways-to-get-more-comfor_b_7589940.html
- ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/travisbradberry/2016/09/13/4-reasons-sleeping-naked-makes-you-healthier-and-wealthier/#18ff8dea69b4
- ↑ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3736531/Do-sleep-naked-Experts-say-skipping-clothes-bedtime-keeps-bacteria-bay-boost-immune-system.html
- ↑ http://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/advice/g3702/30-things-to-do-naked/?slide=1
- ↑ https://www.hg.org/article.asp?id=31193
- ↑ http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/business-career/legal/nudity-public-places
- ↑ http://www.justanswer.com/topics-indecent-exposure/
- ↑ http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2014/09/02/public-indecency-on-your-own-property/
- ↑ http://www.justanswer.com/topics-indecent-exposure/
- ↑ https://www.yahoo.com/style/10-reasons-you-should-go-c1422307417286.html
- ↑ https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-ideas/adventure/the-rules-of-going-naked-in-public/news-story/b32fe64a4db995e803c16ff2711d51de
- ↑ https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/the-ten-best-nude-beaches-around-the-globe
- ↑ http://old.post-gazette.com/travel/20001112henaked2.asp
About This Article
Before you go outside naked, try spending some time around your house with no clothes on so you get used to the feeling. You can also sleep naked, which will help you get comfortable not having clothes on. When you feel confident enough to go outdoors, try hanging out somewhere private, like a screened-in porch or fenced-off yard, so no one will see you. Keep in mind that it’s illegal to be naked in most public places. However, if you want to go out in public, search for nudist beaches near you, where you can relax without worrying about the law or social norms. For more tips, including how to find a nudist colony in your area, read on!