Note: Guys, don’t be upset that this article is for the ladies. Yes, I know that some of these things will be applicable to you as well… But, as a woman I want to make sure that I’m helping encourage other ladies to come out of the shadows and join the fun!

Nudism. Naturism. In the buff. Naked. In the nude. We’ve all heard these words being thrown about but probably never even gave them a second thought. In a world where we live in clothes pretty much 24/7 and being naked is no longer the norm, it’s safe to say that many girls and women feel shy and uncomfortable in their own skin.

With clothing industries advertising all kinds of soft and comfy clothing, “breathable” fabrics and fancy lingerie, the thought of shedding these clothes and going nude, even when we’re at home, doesn’t often enter the mind.

But research shows that nudism has a whole host of physical and psychological benefits, and that life in the buff is, on many levels, very good for you!

Here are my top 5 reasons all you beautiful ladies out there might want to consider ditching your clothing and embracing your body on your way to becoming a self-proclaimed female nudist:

1. Going nude boosts confidence and self-love

There isn’t enough self-love being promoted by the media these days. We’re expected to live up to the models we see on billboards or TV ads in a “one-size-fits-all” attempt to conform to society’s perceived image of beauty. These unrealistic expectations often lead to us feeling unhappy or even ashamed with our own perfect bodies.

Being naked is probably the most natural thing in the world. Sadly though, many women don’t feel comfortable in their own skin, avoid looking in the mirror, and cringe at the mere thought of getting naked in front of others. Such discontent with your own body can seriously affect performance in school or at work, friendships and relationships, and have a negative effect on your self-esteem.

However, when you decide to take your confidence back into your own hands and go nude, you get used to the way your body looks and you learn to embrace your unique features and perceived “flaws”. You realize that your body is, in actual fact, perfect just the way it is.

Nudism not only promotes self-acceptance and confidence; it also helps you gain a true appreciation for the human body in all its natural glory. Being naked around others, for example on a nudist beach, helps you realize that all body types are beautiful, and normal.

Female nudists also report reduced levels of shame and higher levels of self-love and self-acceptance, which are both very healing and have positive long-term psychological effects. These effects include a more positive self-image, higher overall self-esteem and increased life satisfaction.

All the more reason to go naked!

2. Female Nudism Promotes Breast and Reproductive Health

All of us want the best for our boobies, which is why we wear a bra to support them and to prevent sagging – right? However, research suggests that wearing a bra actually weakens the pectoral muscles and the surrounding muscle tissue, as they’re no longer needed to support your “ladies.”

This can lead to your breasts drooping a little when you finally remove your bra – the exact opposite of what we want.

On the flip side, letting your breasts hang loose promotes stimulation in these muscles, making your boobs better equipped to hold their form in the long run.

When it comes to your reproductive health and your lady parts, wearing underwear all day and night might actually be doing more harm than good. Tight underwear, especially anything that’s not cotton, doesn’t allow your vagina to breathe freely, and this is a recipe for infection and complication in your nether region. Warm, moist areas are where bacteria thrive, so going panty-less is actually more than just a fun little secret!

Wearing underwear to bed also increases the risk of vaginitis and bacterial infections, causing the vulva and the vagina to swell and itch.

Research recommends airing out your vaginal area for a couple of hours each day to prevent such infections and to promote better reproductive health.

3. Going Naked is Great for Your Overall Health, Too

At first, it might seem a little surprising how many health benefits nakedness carries with it. But if you really think about it, we weren’t born wearing clothes, we weren’t really meant to wear skinny jeans and leather jackets, so it all sort of makes sense.

Here are just a few ways that donning your birthday suit can boost your health and immune system, smooth your skin and make you feel awesome!

Going nude outdoors in the sun increases your vitamin D intake. Your body is much better at absorbing vitamin D the natural way than through any supplements, and increased vitamin D makes for a much healthier immune system. As little as 15 minutes of sunshine a day can bring about these beneficial effects. Of course, take necessary sun precautions so as not to get sunburnt!

Being naked lets your skin breathe and eliminates sweat toxins that your clothes usually keep hold of. When you sweat, especially in clothes that are tight and restrictive, you may be more like to get inflamed skin follicles, breakouts and rashes. Think of nudism as a refreshing detox for your skin and body!

Being in the buff also leads to better blood circulation, as tight clothing can restrict blood flow. Losing tight clothes also smooths your skin, as the marks left on your skin by tight underwear and pants can increase wrinkles and dry out your skin.

4. Sleeping Naked Makes for Far Better and Deeper Sleep

So, we’ve mentioned the various benefits of being a female nudist on breast, reproductive and overall health, but what about sleep?

We spend 1/3 of our lives sleeping, so there’s no doubt that the quality of our sleep greatly affects us in our day to day activities.

Scientists say that we get the best sleep when our body temperature reaches around 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Stripping free of your pajamas therefore helps your body to regulate temperature better, allowing for a sweeter, deeper sleep.

Also, be sure to always always take your bra off before going to bed. Sleeping with a bra on is linked to a higher risk of breast cancer, by a whopping 60%! This is due to your bra reducing your body’s lymphatic flow and circulation. Not to mention how incredibly uncomfortable it is!

5. Nakedness Increases Intimacy and Forms Stronger, Healthier Relationships

Being naked with your baby is one of the most natural things a mother can do. The skin-to-skin contact releases “oxytocin,” the love hormone that increases well-being, reduces stress, and promotes attachment. What’s more, this natural skin-contact leads to a stronger bond between mother and baby.

What’s true for mother-baby relationships is also true for relationships between intimate partners. Being in the nude with your partner also promotes intimacy and a stronger overall relationship, aids in reducing stress and has a calming, soothing effect.

Being naked around your partner will also make you feel more at ease with them, more comfortable in your own skin, and safer in their presence. Sleeping, cuddling, or even just walking around the house naked together gives you a certain appreciation for your partner’s body, and grows a deeper level of connection between the two of you.

As you can see, being a female nudist has a plethora of advantages for your mind, body and soul.

If at first going all out still terrifies you, being naked in your own home or bedroom is the perfect place to start. And slowly, as you get to know and love your body even more, you’ll be confident getting out there and finding yourself a nudist beach or park to relax in, in your own natural state.