WOBBLY BITS DON’T WORRY ME AT ALL

Clare Clark, a 34-year-old administrative assistant, lives with her partner Micky, 33, a carpenter, and her three children in Peterborough. She says:

I’M LUCKY — I was brought up to be comfortable in my skin. My parents’ liberal attitude meant I was very at ease with my body growing into adulthood. I knew images of famous women online were manipulated and weren’t real. No one has ‘perfect’ breasts or zero cellulite and comparing myself with them isn’t worth it.

During my 20s, I travelled in Europe and Australia with my girlfriends and we’d always seek out the nude sunbathing beaches. I felt vulnerable at first but soon found it’s a safer environment for women. No one ogles you and no one cares about wobbly bits. Naturists are very accepting.

Once a guy from my hometown was on the same beach. When he came over to say hello I feared it would be awkward, but it was fine. I felt more comfortable than if I had been wearing a low-cut top.

I do look after my body and as we can’t go to the beach now I have spent much time gardening naked. I’m proud of how I look; this body has grown and birthed three children. I am happier with it today than I was in my 20s.

Before I discovered the freedom and bliss that nudity brings I took antidepressants for stress and anxiety but no longer need them. It’s rare I get any physical illness either. That’s why I believe removing your clothes is the ultimate stress reliever and the best form of mindfulness.

When we can safely book a beach holiday again, the first thing I will do is strip off and be the real Clare again.

That’s when I’ll feel my shoulders fall, my stress melt away and find ‘me’ again.