We all have varying levels of comfort with nakedness, from stadium-streaker to never-nude. If you’re a Tobias Fünke type, don’t blame yourself. Frankly, Western society has a weird relationship with nakedness, thanks to puritanical historical morals, the media’s conflation of nudity with sexuality, and absurd physical beauty ideals. The good news is that times are changing – and you can, too. Here are six tips to shed the jean shorts and get more comfortable in the buff.
- Visit an onsen
Experiencing communal bathing is a powerful way to foster body neutrality. Traditionally naked, Japanese bathhouses are a safe space for people of all shapes and sizes to celebrate their bodies through the ritual of bathing. Think of it as exposure therapy to normal bodies and the people who live comfortably in them, free from scrutiny and objectification.
- Practise alone
The senior citizen mindlessly towelling their every nook and cranny in the middle of the locker room wasn’t born with superhuman confidence, they’ve just had plenty of experience getting comfortable in their own skin. Practice makes perfect, and acclimatising to the feeling of being naked is a skill like any other. Lounging about undressed while home alone can help you get over the initial discomfort and get you reacquainted with your naked self.
- Attend a life drawing class
– Or better yet, become the masterpiece by being the model! Nothing shifts your perspective on nudity like sitting in a room of artists peacefully sketching an unbothered stranger’s uncovered form. By viewing the body as a fascinating collection of shapes, forms and shadows, you can appreciate the beauty in diversity. Embrace the experience as a celebration of anatomy, and learn to see your own body as a work of art.
- Practise self-care
Taking care of your body through self-care rituals, including self-pleasure, masturbation, exfoliation and moisturising, and applying oils or fragrance, is a surefire way to connect with and appreciate your physical self. The emphasis here is not on how you look, but rather the act of nurturing your body. Practising self-care fosters a positive relationship with your body, helping you love the skin you’re in.
- Words of affirmation
Words of affirmation can be transformative. Self-doubt is normal and natural, but we tend to over-value the negative and under-value the positive, especially when it comes to our bodies. Turn up the volume on the positive self-talk. Ask your partner what they most love about your body or, better yet, take a moment to reflect on what you love about yourself. Focus on your favourite features and let the good vibes reign.
- Focus on function over form
Shift your focus from how your body looks to all the incredible things it does. Celebrate its strength, resilience and diverse capabilities. Whether you’re experiencing pleasure, listening to music, dancing, eating, walking or just taking a few deep, calming breaths, recognising the functionality of your unique body is a great way to build gratitude and acceptance.
The naked truth
At the end of the day, body-confidence isn’t an endpoint. It’s an ongoing practice. But by taking positive, intentional steps to cultivate self-love, you can build the body-confidence you deserve.
